Pope Francis Discharged from Hospital

ROME, Italy - 23 March 2025

Pope Francis, 88, was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital today, five weeks after being admitted with a severe case of pneumonia that doctors have now confirmed nearly claimed his life. The pontiff left the hospital shortly after 10 a.m. local time, greeted by staff, Vatican aides, and a small group of faithful gathered outside. Before departing, he briefly waved and smiled from a hospital balcony, thanking the public for their prayers and support during what has been described as one of the most serious health scares of his pontificate.

The Pope was first admitted to hospital on 14 February 2025 with what the Vatican initially described as “mild bronchitis.” However, within days, his condition deteriorated rapidly, progressing into polymicrobial bilateral pneumonia – a serious infection in both lungs caused by multiple pathogens. According to a statement released by the Vatican’s medical team, Francis experienced acute respiratory distress during the second week of his hospitalisation, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy and a brief period on mechanical ventilation. He was also treated for early-stage renal insufficiency, further complicating his condition.

Doctors described his recovery as “remarkable” given his age and medical history, which includes a partial lung removal during his youth in Argentina and a series of hospitalisations over the past decade. “There were moments where we feared for his life,” said Dr Tommaso Cicchetti, a senior pulmonologist at Gemelli. “The pneumonia was aggressive, and his response in the early days was uncertain. But his resilience and the speed of medical intervention were key to his survival.”

Though largely confined to his hospital bed, Pope Francis remained involved in Church affairs. From his hospital room, he approved several Vatican decrees, including the advancement of beatification causes and appointments within the Roman Curia. According to aides, he also continued his routine of daily prayer and closely followed world events, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing synodal process within the Church.

In the past week, his health showed marked improvement, allowing for short walks within the hospital grounds and eventually leading to his public appearance today. His first stop after leaving Gemelli was the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a traditional gesture he has performed after previous health scares. There, he prayed before the icon of Salus Populi Romani, seeking protection for the people of Rome and offering thanks for his recovery.

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will not immediately return to a full public schedule. Doctors have advised a prolonged period of rest, with limitations on travel, major liturgical events, and large gatherings. His next scheduled appearance, subject to medical approval, may be during Holy Week celebrations in late March, though officials have indicated that these may be led by senior cardinals should the Pope remain too weak.

Father Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, stated: “His Holiness is in good spirits and has expressed his desire to return to his pastoral duties as soon as possible. However, the Vatican will proceed with caution. The Holy Father’s health remains fragile, and we are prioritising his full recovery over immediate public engagements.”

The Pope’s illness has reignited discussions about succession planning and the possibility of another papal resignation, akin to that of Benedict XVI in 2013. However, Vatican officials have been quick to quell speculation. “The Pope remains fully in charge and is not considering resignation,” Bruni reiterated during a press briefing on Sunday.

Nevertheless, the episode has highlighted the limitations of Francis’ increasingly frail health, coming after a string of hospitalisations in recent years, including a colon surgery in 2021 and bronchitis in 2023. Despite this, the Pope has consistently dismissed the idea of stepping down solely due to age or illness, arguing that a pontificate should be lived until the very end unless incapacitation prevents service.

Image: Nick Donnelly/X

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