VATICAN CITY — An ailing Pope Francis has made his return to the Vatican following a significant five-week stay in the hospital, where he received treatment for serious double pneumonia. On Sunday, an unexpected visit was made by the pontiff to his beloved basilica before beginning a two-month period of rest and recovery, as recommended by his medical team.
The 88-year-old pope was seen in the front passenger seat of his signature white Fiat 500L, equipped with nasal tubes supplying him with supplemental oxygen, as he entered the Perugino gate of Vatican City. His return was a moment of relief, alleviating concerns that his recent illness might have had fatal consequences or sparked another potential papal resignation.
During his motorcade journey from Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis’ route took an impromptu sidetrack to St. Mary Major basilica. This detour was to honor the basilica housing his favorite Madonna icon, a place where he typically prays after foreign visits. Though he remained in the car, he entrusted a bouquet of flowers to the cardinal of the basilica to lay before the Salus Populi Romani icon. This Byzantine-influenced painting is esteemed among Romans and holds such significance to Francis that he has declared his intention to be interred at this location.
His drive through Rome concluded after Francis made a brief and encouraging balcony appearance at the hospital, offering a thumbs-up and a quick blessing. The visibly winded pope greeted the hundreds who had convened on a splendid spring morning to bid farewell and catch a glimpse of him.
“There is a woman with yellow flowers. Bravo!” a bloated Francis murmured in a faint and strained voice, casting a feeble sign of the cross before heading back inside on a wheelchair.
Spectators shouted “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco,” among them were patients who had ventured outside to witness his brief display.
Rest and convalescence at home
Medical professionals indicate the pope will require an eight-week rest period at the Vatican, during which he is advised to refrain from large gatherings or exertion. In due course, it is expected he will be able to engage fully in his usual activities.
With the joy of his return, Vatican residents and the global Catholic community experienced immense relief following 38 days of health uncertainty, fearing for Francis’ wellbeing.
“Today brings great joy,” stated Dr. Rossella Russomando, who was present at Gemelli on Sunday, though not directly involved in his treatment. “It’s proof that the power of prayers globally, particularly rosary prayers, has graced us.”
The Rev. Enzo Fortunato, leading a papal committee for children, remarked on the pope’s evident happiness to be home, asserting that such joy, paired with an abundance of supportive cards from children worldwide, would aid his recovery.
“His first prescribed medicine is the affection of children, and the second is returning home,” Fortunato explained, anticipating a swift recuperation.
Continuous care for the Pope
Within the Vatican city, a Holy Year drew pilgrims who erupted into applause as Francis’ greeting was shown live on enormous screens in St. Peter’s Square.
“Witnessing him was significant,” asserted Sister Luisa Jimènez, a nun from the Pope’s native Argentina.
However, Colombian Sister Angel Bernal Amparo expressed unease regarding his bloated appearance and his limited speech abilities.
“He seemed unwell,” she admitted. “Breathing seemed compromised, limiting his speech, but it was a comfort seeing him nonetheless.”
No adjustments have been made at Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where Francis resides in a modest two-room suite. Nonetheless, he will receive round-the-clock medical support, including supplemental oxygen, with hope that his lungs will gradually recuperate.
Two severe health crises
Pope Francis, diagnosed with a chronic lung condition and possessing only one lung from previous surgery during his youth, was admitted to Gemelli in mid-February following escalated bronchitis.
Initially, he faced a complex respiratory infection with complications involving bacterial, fungal, and viral influences leading to bilateral pneumonia. Concurrently, his bloodwork indicated anemia, reduced platelet counts, and early kidney failure, later managed through blood transfusions.
The direst moments began in late February, as Francis battled severe coughing and inhaled vomit, necessitating a mechanical ventilation mask for breathing support. Consequent respiratory failures on subsequent days required medical intervention to clear extensive lung mucus. Consequently, night use of a ventilation mask was prescribed for lung fluid management.
Despite the gravity, he was never intubated nor lost consciousness. Reports confirmed a consistent alert disposition, though weight loss was anticipated due to appetite reduction.
“It was feared he may not survive, creating a painful experience for us,” stated Mario Balsamo, a local café owner opposite Gemelli. “Now, having witnessed his discharge, we share in the joy and wish him a rapid return to full health.”
‘I’m still alive!’
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, overseeing Francis’ medical care at Gemelli, highlighted the severity of the double pneumonia, emphasizing the survival and release from the hospital as notable milestones. He recounted health threats experienced by Francis during two critical breathing episodes, affecting the pope’s usually vibrant sense of humor.
“Upon our visit to examine his lungs, he replied, ‘I’m still alive,’ signaling to us his improved condition and renewed humor,” Alfieri detailed in a press briefing late Saturday.
Despite ongoing speech difficulties from lung damage, Dr. Alfieri reassured the continuity of his voice’s return, elucidating the normalcy of these complications in elder patients, alongside ongoing medication management for a lesser respiratory infection.
Uncertain future engagements
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has refrained from confirming forthcoming engagements, such as an April audience with King Charles III or the Pope’s potential involvement in Easter celebrations later in the month. Nevertheless, hopes remain for Francis’ potential participation in late May’s ecumenical anniversary in Turkey, as indicated by Dr. Luigi Carbone.
Previously, St. John Paul II held the record for lengthiest recent hospitalization in 1981, marked by 55 days spent at Gemelli for minor surgery and infection treatment.
