celebrity health

This is how Pope Francis looks in his first public appearance after being discharged from the hospital

The Holy Father spent 38 days hospitalized following a case of bilateral pneumonia

Senior Writer

MARCH 24, 2025 11:26 AM EDTMAR 24, 2025, 11:26 AM EDT

As previously announced by the Vatican, Pope Francis was discharged on Sunday, March 23, in the morning after spending 38 days in Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory infection. This marked his first public appearance following his medical care and observation.

Expressing gratitude for his support over the past five weeks, the Argentine emerged onto one of the hospital’s balconies to greet the hundreds of worshippers gathered outside, eager to see him. Although he appeared visibly weak and struggled to speak, the Holy Father, who was in a wheelchair, delivered a brief message to the crowd: “Thank you all!”

Pope Francis appears on his balcony to speak to the crowds at the Gemelli hospital, the first time he has appeared in public since being admitted to the hospital on March 23, 2025, in Rome, Italy.

The Pope seemed pleased to see so many people present and even attempted to engage with them. Noticing a woman holding yellow flowers, he remarked with a discreet smile, “I see that woman with yellow flowers—very good.”

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on February 14th with a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.

He concluded his appearance by offering his blessing to the faithful with his hands.

Pope Francis in his first public appearance after being discharged from the hospital

Will He Resume His Normal Activities?

Although Pope Francis has returned to his residence at Santa Marta in the Vatican, his medical team has stated that he will continue partial treatment with oral medications and will need at least two months of convalescence, meaning he will not immediately resume his usual activities.

The Vatican said that his overall health remains stable, with slight improvements.

In this regard, the reason for the Pope’s at-home recovery was also explained. “The hospital, as strange as it may seem, is the worst place for convalescence—it’s where most infections are contracted,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri in a press conference. “During his recovery period, he will not be able to maintain his usual daily appointments,” he added.

Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital on March 23, 2025, in Rome, Italy.

Pontiff was unable to lead the Ash Wednesday Mass

Pope Francis' appearance comes days after he could not lead the Ash Wednesday Mass. The beloved 88-year-old pontiff has been on a health journey, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions for Catholics worldwide.

It all started on February 14, when Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to bronchitis. He then developed a polymicrobial infection, leading to bilateral pneumonia—a fancy term for pneumonia in both lungs. He had part of a lung removed in his youth, which was particularly concerning.

Pope Francis Attends The Weekly General Audience — Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

As Pope Francis continues his recovery, the Vatican adjusted its schedule. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis was appointed to lead the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, a role traditionally held by the Pope.

In February 2025, Pope Francis shared his first public message. He took to X, addressing Catholics from all over the world. "I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," wrote the Pope. "Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!"

"I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the Gospel Of The Day suggests," he wrote in a separate post. "May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!"

Note: This information is based on the latest updates as of March 24, 2025. For the most recent news, always refer to official Vatican communications.