Pope Francis made his first public appearance in weeks on March 23, 2025, after being hospitalized for over five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff had been admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia, marking the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. On that Sunday, shortly before his discharge, he appeared on a balcony at the hospital, seated in a wheelchair, and waved to a crowd of hundreds gathered below. His voice was frail as he said, “Thank you, everyone,” and he managed a thumbs-up before being wheeled back inside. The crowd cheered “Papa Francesco” and “Long live the pope,” reflecting their relief at seeing him.
After the brief appearance, Francis left the hospital, making a detour to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pray before an icon of the Virgin Mary he holds dear, then returned to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. His doctors reported that while the pneumonia was under control, he’d faced two life-threatening episodes during his stay and would need at least two months of rest and rehabilitation, with ongoing oxygen support and medication for a lingering fungal infection in his lungs. The Vatican had released only one photo of him during his hospitalization—praying in the hospital chapel—making this balcony moment his first public sighting since mid-February.
In a written statement released that day, Francis reflected on his ordeal, saying, “In this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord,” and thanked the medical staff and faithful for their support. He also addressed global conflicts, expressing sorrow over renewed bombing in Gaza and calling for peace in Ukraine, Myanmar, and elsewhere, while welcoming a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. His appearance and discharge marked a turning point, though his fragile state left questions about when he might fully resume his duties. What are your thoughts on his recovery or the impact of his absence?
