Pope Francis gestures as he seems at a window of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025, the place he has been handled for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia since Feb. 14.
Domenico Stinellis/AP
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Domenico Stinellis/AP
ROME — Showing weak however in good spirits, Pope Francis on Sunday briefly greeted a whole lot of faithfuls from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, marking his first public look since being hospitalized with a extreme respiratory an infection 5 weeks in the past.
“I see a woman with yellow flowers. Brava!” he mentioned, his voice subdued. The 88-year-old then gave the group a thumbs up and made the signal of the cross earlier than being wheeled again into his room. He’s anticipated to be discharged later within the day.
The group erupted in chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco,” celebrating his outstanding restoration after an sickness that left him hospitalized for weeks.
“It’s emotional to again find the hope that the pope brings,” mentioned Rome resident Giulia Gianarelli.
Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 with a extreme respiratory an infection, essentially the most severe well being disaster of his 12-year papacy. At one level, he was positioned on a non-invasive ventilator, medical doctors mentioned.
At the same time as he returns to the Vatican, medical doctors warning that his restoration will take time. He’s anticipated to endure two months of rehabilitation, and as evidenced by his frail voice on Sunday, he nonetheless has problem talking after time spent on oxygen remedy. Docs say they count on his voice to recuperate over time.
