Pope Francis made a public appearance on the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, March 23, before returning to the Vatican after a 38-day stay due to bilateral pneumonia. Looking frail and fatigued, the Pope addressed the crowd gathered below, expressing gratitude and imparting the Apostolic Blessing with visible difficulty.
The 88-year-old Pontiff was hospitalized on February 14 and underwent treatment for bilateral pneumonia, which put his life in danger on two occasions. Despite his fragile condition, Pope Francis showed resilience and determination, thanking the medical staff and the crowd for their support.
After his public appearance, Pope Francis was transferred to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, where he will continue his recovery for at least two more months. The Pope made an unplanned stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he prayed and left a bouquet of flowers on the altar.
Pope Francis’s return to the Vatican marks a significant step in his recovery, and the Catholic community around the world continues to pray for his health and well-being.