On Sunday, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican after a prolonged hospital stay due to severe pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff faced two critical health events during his hospitalization but had progressed to a stable recovery phase by the start of the fourth week. Following a fortnight of stability, medical professionals deemed him fit to resume recuperation at the Vatican.
Below are the significant events of Pope Francis’ most extended hospital stay during his 12-year tenure, as updated by Vatican sources:
**February 14**: Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis and a minor fever after engaging in a morning of official audiences. He was subsequently diagnosed with an infection of the respiratory tract.
**February 17**: Medical examinations revealed that the pope was battling a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory system, complicating his condition.
**February 18**: Diagnostic imaging confirmed pneumonia in both lungs, necessitating enhanced treatment with cortisone and antibiotics.
**February 21**: Medical staff communicated that, although Pope Francis remained in critical condition, his life was not in immediate peril. He developed steroid-induced diabetes, which was addressed by his healthcare team. The prognosis remained cautious.
**February 22**: A serious respiratory crisis required the pope to receive high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes. Additionally, he underwent blood transfusions due to anemia and a drop in platelets, both of which improved subsequently.
**February 23**: The pope experienced the beginning of mild kidney failure, although he did not suffer another respiratory crisis, maintaining his critical condition.
**February 26**: The initial signs of renal failure showed signs of reversal, marking a positive development.
**February 28**: During an isolated coughing spasm, Pope Francis aspirated vomit, necessitating noninvasive procedures to clear his airways. His response was favorable, and he was placed on a noninvasive ventilation mask to administer additional oxygen.
**March 3**: Two episodes of acute bronchospasm required bronchoscopic intervention to remove mucus plugs. Throughout the procedures, the pope remained alert and cooperative, although the prognosis was still uncertain.
**March 6**: Pope Francis recorded an audio message to thank the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for their prayers. His voice sounded weak, and he appeared breathless.
**March 10**: Doctors announced that while he remained under care, Pope Francis was no longer in immediate danger from pneumonia.
**March 12**: A chest X-ray showed improvements in his health.
**March 13**: Pope Francis received a cake and well-wishing messages as he commemorated the 12th anniversary of his papacy from the hospital, although no new medical update was issued.
**March 14**: On marking a month since his hospitalization, the Vatican decided to reduce the frequency of updates, reflecting ongoing improvement in the pope’s health.
**March 16**: The first image of Pope Francis during his hospital stay was released; he appeared seated in the private chapel without any visible breathing apparatus.
**March 22**: Medical authorities announced that the pope would be discharged the following day, with at least two months of convalescence recommended, during which he would avoid large group gatherings.
**March 23**: A visibly weakened and frail Pope Francis returned to the Vatican from Gemelli hospital, pausing momentarily at a hospital balcony before his departure.