After staying away from the public for more than six weeks, Pope Francis stepped out on Sunday, looking tired and speaking with difficulty, as he showed up briefly on a balcony at a hospital in Rome. Many people gathered in the square outside to see him.
His voice came out faint and quiet as he softly said, “Thank you, everyone.” Before heading back to his residence at the Vatican guesthouse, he made a short stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place he holds dear because of his devotion to an icon of the Virgin Mary kept there.
During the short moment on the second-floor balcony, where he was wheeled out, Francis noticed a woman holding yellow flowers and mentioned her. “She’s good,” he said, praising her kindly. After that, he stayed seated and waved to the joyful crowd, who responded with loud cheers and flag waving.
A Changed Appearance and Slower Recovery Process
Francis has returned to public view with a different presence, physically and emotionally, which reflects how serious his recent illness was. The pope, once known for freely speaking without scripts and for always being close to crowds, now shows visible signs that he needs time to recover.
His voice lacked strength and sounded hoarse, which is expected, since his medical team explained that his lungs and breathing muscles had been damaged. The doctors mentioned this during a press briefing held on Saturday.
Cheers of “Papa Francesco” came from those gathered at the hospital gate when he appeared. Someone in the crowd shouted, “Long live the pope.” After giving a blessing by making the sign of the cross, he was gently wheeled back inside the hospital building.
Hopeful Reactions From Supporters
A Portuguese teacher, Patricia Olivera, was among those in the crowd and shared her thoughts about what the pope’s presence meant to her. “He still looks very weak, and we have heard it might take another two months for full recovery, but just seeing him brought us hope,” she said. According to her, Francis has been a source of strength and comfort during uncertain times globally.
Just a few weeks ago, there were major fears over whether Francis would make it through serious pneumonia that affected both lungs, along with other infections. Doctors confirmed on Saturday that the pneumonia was so severe, it pushed him into a critical condition twice.
His medical treatment included oxygen and medications that slowly helped him stabilize. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of his care team, said those treatments led to steady improvement and helped him overcome the most dangerous stages.
No Traditional Sunday Blessing Given
Francis didn’t deliver the Angelus blessing this past Sunday, the way he usually does from the Apostolic Palace that overlooks St. Peter’s Square.
Even though he didn’t speak publicly, the Vatican released his Angelus message online. In the message, he expressed sadness over Israel’s renewed bombing in Gaza, which has caused many deaths and injuries. He pleaded for the fighting to stop and for dialogue to resume.
He also called for peace efforts in Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another person who came to the hospital, Sister Priscilla Wangarri, a Franciscan nun from Kenya, expressed her happiness over the pope’s condition improving.
She mentioned that she had joined nightly rosary prayers at St. Peter’s Square for his healing. “We love him because the church needs him,” she said, stressing how important he is as a spiritual leader.
Return to Vatican Guesthouse and Medical Precautions
After being discharged from the hospital, Francis returned to Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where he lives inside Vatican City. He is expected to continue his recovery there for at least two more months.
His doctors strongly advised him to stay away from large gatherings and from meeting small children during this period, as a way to lower the risk of catching another infection.
His Vatican-based doctor, Dr. Luigi Carbone, confirmed that the guesthouse is well-prepared with medical facilities to meet the pope’s current needs.
Francis had been taken to the hospital on February 14 with serious breathing problems caused by both viral and bacterial infections.
His health condition remained very concerning for several weeks. He suffered from breathing crises similar to asthma, mild kidney trouble, and even inhaled vomit after a strong cough led to a bronchial spasm. To help him breathe, doctors used noninvasive ventilation during nighttime and provided high-flow oxygen during the day.
Doctors Recommend Continued Rest and Reduced Activity
Francis was previously known for his tight and demanding schedule. But now, his medical team insists he must reduce his activities and avoid the busy daily routines he once managed.
Dr. Carbone pointed out that recovery time demands a slower pace. He stated clearly that Francis will not be able to return to regular face-to-face meetings or events during this recovery phase.
Carlos Aguirre, a construction worker from Colorado Springs who came to Rome as part of a Catholic pilgrimage group, also shared his thoughts. He said seeing the pope well enough to leave the hospital gave him peace. “It’s God’s will. If he’s coming out, it means that God still has a plan for him,” Aguirre said with belief.
