Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has returned to the Vatican after a lengthy and challenging hospitalization. His health issues have drawn international concern, and his recent battle with severe bilateral pneumonia marked a particularly critical point in his already fraught medical history.
On March 23, 2025, after 38 days at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, Pope Francis was discharged, showing both resilience and a touch of humor—as he quipped, "I’m still alive!" when he left the clinic. This hospitalization initiated mid-February 2025, was necessitated by deteriorating respiratory conditions, culminating in pneumonia that required intensive treatment.
Throughout his papacy, which began in March 2013, Pope Francis has faced numerous health challenges, yet his determination to serve and participate in church duties has remained undeterred. Highlights from his recent health struggles include several key incidents that reflect the gravity of his situation. On February 28, during a particularly alarming crisis, he suffered severe bronchospasms and vomiting, prompting a bout of mechanical ventilation as his breathing deteriorated. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, his lead physician, narrated how that night was one of their darkest, describing the fear and the presence of tears among the medical team, indicating the dire circumstances:
“For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of the people who treated him. We knew his condition was worsening, and we feared he might not pull through," Dr. Alfieri told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Pope Francis had indeed transferred much of the decision-making during his treatment to his personal health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, who insisted on an aggressive treatment plan. “Try everything, we will not give up,” was Strappetti’s directive to the medical team, embodying the Pope's fighting spirit.
His journey to recovery has not been without hardship. He has battled not only pneumonia but also an ongoing infection and kidney issues. There were moments, like the second health crisis when he almost choked on vomit, that served as stark reminders of his precarious situation. Nonetheless, Alfieri noted that the Pope remained conscious throughout these critical events, always requesting to be told the truth about his health.
The Pope's health scare prompted an immense outpouring of prayers from followers worldwide, with many gathering outside the hospital and on the streets of Vatican City to show their support. His previous episodes of illness include significant events such as undergoing bowel surgery in July 2021 and several cancelations of public events due to chronic pain and ailments. For example, in January 2025, he faced the worst bronchitis of his life, resulting in acute shortness of breath during a New Year’s address, ultimately leading to this recent hospitalization.
A timeline of recent health struggles reveals a troubling pattern. In mid-January, doctors diagnosed him with persistent respiratory infections that forced him to reconsider planned public appearances and engagements. Each setback raised questions about his ability to continue fulfilling his papal duties, which have included reaffirming his commitment to lead both spiritually and publicly.
Despite the seriousness of his health conditions, the Vatican has assured the public that he is on the mend. On Sunday, the day of his discharge, he briefly visited Santa Maria Maggiore basilica to thank his supporters and offer prayers. Reportedly, the Pope's doctors anticipate a long recovery process, emphasizing the need for him to rest more deeply, suggesting he will minimize contact with the public and keep his visitor list limited.
“For the next two months, he must keep a low profile,” indicated Dr. Luigi Carbone, also part of the medical team. Therapy for Pope Francis will involve ongoing physical and respiratory exercises alongside his personal prayers. As he returns to his residence at Santa Marta, the spiritual leader continues to embody resilience and determination.
As the world watches and prays for Pope Francis, his story serves as a powerful reminder of both human fragility and the strength found in faith and community support. Amidst ongoing speculation about his successors and the future of the papacy, he remains a figure of hope and inspiration for millions. The coming weeks and months will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping not only his health but also the future direction of the Church under his leadership.
