Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since February 14. The 88-year-old pontiff had been hospitalized for five weeks, battling a severe case of double pneumonia that posed significant health risks.

Key Details of the Discharge

• Public Appearance: Before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis made a brief appearance on a balcony, greeting supporters with a wave and a thumbs-up. He expressed gratitude to a woman holding yellow flowers and offered a blessing, though he struggled to lift his arms due to his frail condition.
• Health Status: Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which developed into bilateral pneumonia. His condition was critical at times, with two severe respiratory episodes that nearly threatened his life. Despite these challenges, he has shown steady improvement and was able to breathe independently during his public appearance.
• Recovery Plan: The pope will continue his recovery at the Vatican, where he will rest for at least two months. His medical team has advised him to avoid strenuous activities and large gatherings during this period.

Community Reaction

• Global Support: The Catholic community worldwide has been praying for the pope’s recovery. His discharge has brought relief and joy to many, with pilgrims at the Vatican expressing happiness at his return.
• Vatican Statement: The Vatican released a message from the pope, which included a call for peace in the Gaza Strip. Francis urged for an immediate halt to hostilities and a renewed dialogue to achieve a lasting ceasefire.

Future Plans

• Rest and Rehabilitation: The pope will focus on his health, gradually returning to his usual activities as his condition improves. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, expressed optimism about his recovery, noting that Francis should be able to resume normal duties with continued progress.
• Holy Year Celebrations: Although Pope Francis will miss several Jubilee audiences due to his health, Vatican officials do not expect his absence to significantly impact the anticipated number of pilgrims visiting Rome during this Holy Year.

This event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as Pope Francis begins his journey toward full recovery. His resilience and dedication to his role have inspired many, and his return to the Vatican is seen as a hopeful sign for the global Catholic community.