Pope Francis thanks well-wishers as he leaves hospital after 5-week stay

• Pope Francis thanked well-wishers and blessed the crowd during a brief appearance from a balcony at Gemelli Hospital, where he had been recovering for five weeks. The Holy See said the pope raised his arms to bless the thousands of people gathered below, who cheered, shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!” and “We love you!”
• After leaving the hospital, he visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, offering flowers in gratitude for the protection of Mary Salus Populi Romani.
• Doctors confirmed his discharge following steady improvements, but the pope is advised to rest for at least two months and avoid crowds while continuing rehabilitation.

Full Story

Pope Francis greeted well-wishers from a small balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has spent the past five weeks recovering, thanking the crowd with a simple “Thank you to everyone!” 

The Holy See said the pope raised his arms to bless the thousands of people gathered below, who cheered, shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!” and “We love you!” Following the brief greeting, the crowd moved toward the hospital’s entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope as he departed in his white Fiat 500L.

He then visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he met Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the coadjutor archpriest of the Papal Basilica. Francis presented flowers to be placed before the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani, expressing his gratitude for her care and protection.

In a statement, the pope thanked those who cared for him during his hospitalization. “In this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and health care workers, as well as in the devotion and hopes of the families of the sick,” he said.

Doctors explain why pope was released

Doctors spoke at a press conference on Saturday, March 22, explaining that the decision to discharge the pope came after steady and rapid improvements in his condition and the lifting of his prognosis. However, they noted that while his pneumonia has been treated, full recovery will take time. The pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence and is advised to avoid crowds during this period. He will continue rehabilitation therapy.

Although Pope Francis has been receiving oxygen throughout his hospitalization, he was seen breathing on his own during his public appearance. However, he used a small hose under his nose for oxygen while traveling in his car.

First admitted on Valentine’s Day

The pope was admitted to Rome’s Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 for diagnostic tests and ongoing treatment for bronchitis. Initial reports indicated that Francis was battling an infection caused by bacteria, a virus, and fungus in the respiratory tract, which later developed into pneumonia.