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Pope Francis thanks well-wishers as he leaves hospital after 5-week stay
By Diane Duenez (Weekend Managing Editor)
- Pope Francis thanked well-wishers and blessed the crowd during a brief appearance from a balcony at Gemelli Hospital, where he had been recovering for five weeks. The Holy See said the pope raised his arms to bless the thousands of people gathered below, who cheered, shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!” and “We love you!”
- After leaving the hospital, he visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, offering flowers in gratitude for the protection of Mary Salus Populi Romani.
- Doctors confirmed his discharge following steady improvements, but the pope is advised to rest for at least two months and avoid crowds while continuing rehabilitation.
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Pope Francis greeted well-wishers from a small balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has spent the past five weeks recovering, thanking the crowd with a simple “Thank you to everyone!”
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Bias Summary
- Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks following recovery from pneumonia, attracting a large crowd at the hospital entrance.
- The pope's hospitalization lasted 38 days, marking the longest of his papacy, causing concern among Catholic faithful and the Vatican.
- Doctors confirmed his release, advising him to avoid large groups and exertion, but he can eventually return to normal activities.
- During his illness, the pope never required intubation or lost consciousness.
- Pope Francis is set to return to the Vatican after five weeks of hospitalization for pneumonia, as advised by his doctors.
- He faces at least two months of recovery and will require physical re-education to regain normal voice use due to lung damage from pneumonia.
- Pope Francis' health has been a concern as he experienced very critical moments during his treatment, but he was declared out of danger after a month.
- Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed rumors of the Pope resigning, stating, "No, no, no, absolutely not."
- Pope Francis made his first public appearance after being hospitalized for over five weeks, greeting supporters and offering a blessing from Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
- The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has been stable for two weeks and is expected to return to the Vatican for rehabilitation and convalescence.
- Doctors stated that his life was at risk twice during his hospitalization, highlighting the serious nature of his condition without the need for intubation.
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488 other sources covering this story
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488
Leaning Left
78
Center
81
Leaning Right
53
Last Updated
4 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
The Holy See said the pope raised his arms to bless the thousands of people gathered below, who cheered, shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!” and “We love you!” Following the brief greeting, the crowd moved toward the hospital’s entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope as he departed in his white Fiat 500L.
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He then visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he met Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the coadjutor archpriest of the Papal Basilica. Francis presented flowers to be placed before the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani, expressing his gratitude for her care and protection.
In a statement, the pope thanked those who cared for him during his hospitalization. “In this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and health care workers, as well as in the devotion and hopes of the families of the sick,” he said.
Doctors explain why pope was released
Doctors spoke at a press conference on Saturday, March 22, explaining that the decision to discharge the pope came after steady and rapid improvements in his condition and the lifting of his prognosis. However, they noted that while his pneumonia has been treated, full recovery will take time. The pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence and is advised to avoid crowds during this period. He will continue rehabilitation therapy.
Although Pope Francis has been receiving oxygen throughout his hospitalization, he was seen breathing on his own during his public appearance. However, he used a small hose under his nose for oxygen while traveling in his car.
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First admitted on Valentine’s Day
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 for diagnostic tests and ongoing treatment for bronchitis. Initial reports indicated that Francis was battling an infection caused by bacteria, a virus, and fungus in the respiratory tract, which later developed into pneumonia.
Media Landscape
See how news outlets across the political spectrum are covering this story. Learn more
Left 37%
Center 38%
Right 25%
Bias Summary
- Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks following recovery from pneumonia, attracting a large crowd at the hospital entrance.
- The pope's hospitalization lasted 38 days, marking the longest of his papacy, causing concern among Catholic faithful and the Vatican.
- Doctors confirmed his release, advising him to avoid large groups and exertion, but he can eventually return to normal activities.
- During his illness, the pope never required intubation or lost consciousness.
- Pope Francis is set to return to the Vatican after five weeks of hospitalization for pneumonia, as advised by his doctors.
- He faces at least two months of recovery and will require physical re-education to regain normal voice use due to lung damage from pneumonia.
- Pope Francis' health has been a concern as he experienced very critical moments during his treatment, but he was declared out of danger after a month.
- Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed rumors of the Pope resigning, stating, "No, no, no, absolutely not."
- Pope Francis made his first public appearance after being hospitalized for over five weeks, greeting supporters and offering a blessing from Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
- The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has been stable for two weeks and is expected to return to the Vatican for rehabilitation and convalescence.
- Doctors stated that his life was at risk twice during his hospitalization, highlighting the serious nature of his condition without the need for intubation.
Bias Distribution
Far
Left
Left
+0
Click to close
Click to close
Click to close
Click to close
Click to close
Click to close
Far
Right
Right
+0
Click to close
Untracked Bias
Click to close
488 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
488
Leaning Left
78
Center
81
Leaning Right
53
Last Updated
4 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
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