Pope Francis is set to make a significant public appearance on March 23, 2025, after a prolonged hospitalization due to serious health issues. The Pope will be greeting and blessing the public from the window of the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome after spending over five weeks recovering from double pneumonia.
The announcement from the Vatican's Press Office comes after weeks of concern regarding the pontiff's health, especially following his last public appearance on February 14, marking 38 days without seeing the faithful. His absence sparked discussions about his capacity to undertake the responsibilities associated with his role, particularly with the Easter celebrations approaching.
KTO will broadcast the Pope's greeting live, making this his first public appearance since the onset of his health crisis. Despite his recent struggles, the Pope's condition has shown marked improvement, and he is reportedly in high spirits. "Tomorrow the Pope will leave [the hospital] and return to the Sainte-Marthe residence," shared Professor Sergio Alfieri at a press conference outside the hospital.
During his hospital stay, the pope had only communicated with the public through brief messages and audio clips. A notable moment was his audio message broadcast on March 6, where he expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from the faithful. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health," he proclaimed, his voice reflecting the toll taken by his illness.
As the Pope prepares for his return to the Vatican, he will undergo a convalescence period of at least two months, as advised by his medical team. The doctors underscored the importance of recovery in a home setting, stating, "the hospital, even if it may seem strange, is the worst place to recover due to the risk of infections. The Pope's health is improving, and we hope he can quickly resume his normal activities," added Dr. Luca Carbone, one of his physicians.
The Pope has not been able to preside over the Angelus prayer since February 9, making this Sunday's appearance particularly important, as it marks a return to his regular engagements. Traditionally, the Angelus prayer takes place every Sunday at noon, where the Pope addresses the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square, and usually he can be seen and heard from the window of the apostolic palace.
This will not be the first time Pope Francis has addressed public audiences from the Gemelli hospital. In July 2021, he recited the Angelus there following surgery, indicating that such public appearances have become a crucial method of maintaining his connection with the faithful during health challenges.
The ongoing health concerns regarding Pope Francis, particularly with respiratory issues that have plagued him throughout his life, have raised eyebrows about the upcoming Holy Week celebrations, which begin soon. Easter falls on April 20 this year, a particularly significant period in the Catholic calendar, heightening the focus on the Pope's health and ability to lead these rites.
Past rumors and questions about who might lead certain events if Francis couldn't participate were quickly dismissed by Vatican officials, reiterating their support for the Pope's recovery process and the hope for his return to duty.
As he prepares to leave the hospital on Sunday, the atmosphere at the Gemelli and in the Vatican remains one of cautious optimism. Many in the Catholic community are eagerly awaiting his return, reflecting on the Pope’s rigorous commitments prior to his health difficulties, which frequently saw him engaging with crowds and members of the clergy worldwide.
Throughout his time as Pope, Francis has emphasized inclusion and compassion, rarely shying away from engagements that connect him directly with people. His planned return to active duty, alongside diligent care from his medical team and the prayers of millions, could herald a recommitment to these values that resonate deeply within the church.
Ultimately, this moment is poised not just to mark a symbolic return but also an affirmation of faith and resilience, resonating within the broader framework of the Catholic Church as it approaches a pivotal moment in its liturgical calendar.
