Pope Francis makes first public appearance after hospitalization
Pope Francis, looking visibly frail and struggling with his breathing, made his first public appearance in over six weeks on Sunday. The 87-year-old pontiff emerged on a second-floor balcony of Rome’s hospital to greet a crowd of well-wishers gathered outside. His voice was thin and raspy as he thanked them, marking a significant step in his ongoing recovery from severe pneumonia and other respiratory complications.
A moment of gratitude despite frailty
Francis, who had been wheeled out onto the balcony, managed to wave with both hands and even complimented a woman in the crowd holding yellow flowers. Despite the cheers of “Papa Francesco” from the faithful, his weakened condition made it clear that he faces a long road to recovery.
“He seems very weak, and from the news we know that he still has two months to recover fully, but even though that’s the case, we see hope in this,” said Patricia Olivera, a teacher from Portugal who was in the crowd.
Shortly after his brief appearance, the pope was taken back inside the hospital. Later in the day, he made a stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pray before returning to the Vatican guesthouse where he resides.
A serious health battle
For weeks, concern grew over Pope Francis’s health as he battled pneumonia in both lungs, along with additional respiratory infections. His condition became critical on two occasions, requiring intensive drug therapy and oxygen treatment.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the lead doctors overseeing his care, revealed that the pope’s pneumonia was severe enough to put his life at risk.
“He experienced an asthmatic respiratory crisis, mild kidney failure, and a bronchial spasm that caused him to inhale his vomit after a coughing fit,” said Alfieri.
The pope required noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day. Given the severity of his illness, doctors have advised him to avoid unnecessary exertion and exposure to large crowds to prevent further infections.
A long road to recovery
Although Francis has been discharged from the hospital, his doctors insist that he will need at least two more months of recovery.
“Convalescence is by definition a phase of recovery, so it is clear that in this period, he will not be able to carry out his daily activity of meeting with people as he was used to,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone, his Vatican-based physician.
This means he will need to limit his public appearances and interactions for the foreseeable future.
Calls for peace despite his condition
Although unable to deliver his traditional Sunday Angelus blessing in person, the Vatican published his message online. In it, Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the renewed violence in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate halt to the fighting. He also urged peace efforts in Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite his health struggles, his commitment to global peace and the well-being of the Church remains evident.
Carlos Aguirre, a Catholic pilgrim from the United States, reflected on the significance of the pope’s survival:
“It’s God’s will. If he’s coming out, it means that God still has a plan for him.”
As the pope continues his recovery, the world watches and prays for his health, recognizing the challenges ahead for both him and the Church. [New York Times]
