Jordan Ellis
Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, for a severe respiratory infection that led to bilateral pneumonia. The pope was in critical condition for part of his hospitalization, and doctors reported that his life had been in danger on two occasions. On March 23, 2025, Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital and returned to the Vatican. He made his first public appearance since his admission to the hospital, greeting hundreds of faithful from a hospital balcony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of discharge | March 23, 2025 |
| Hospital | Gemelli Hospital, Rome |
| Length of stay | 38 days |
| Diagnosis | Bronchitis, bilateral pneumonia, respiratory infection, polymicrobial infection, respiratory crises, mild kidney failure |
| Treatment | Oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilator, medication, two months of rest |
| Age | 88 |
| First public appearance | Greeted hundreds of faithful from a hospital balcony |
| Next | Returned to the Vatican, stopped at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to pray |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Francis discharged from the hospital
Pope Francis has been discharged from the hospital after a five-week stay for a severe respiratory infection that led to bilateral pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope made his first public appearance since February 14 before being discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
The pope's hospitalization was marked by several setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and a severe coughing fit that required mechanical ventilation. His doctors reported that he remained stable for the last two weeks of his stay and was discharged in stable condition.
Pope Francis has had a number of health issues throughout his life, including the removal of part of one of his lungs at age 21, making him more prone to infections. Despite his ongoing health struggles, there has been no indication that he intends to resign.
On the day of his discharge, Pope Francis greeted hundreds of well-wishers from a hospital window, offering a blessing and a thumbs-up. He then left the hospital in his white Fiat 500L and stopped at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to pray before returning to the Vatican.
Doctors have prescribed Pope Francis a period of rest and rehabilitation, and it is unclear how much activity he will undertake in the coming months.
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Pope Francis's first public appearance since hospitalisation
Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The pope had been admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, with a severe respiratory infection that led to bilateral pneumonia. This marked the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy, with his life being in danger on two occasions.
Before his discharge, Pope Francis briefly greeted hundreds of faithful from a hospital balcony on Sunday morning. The 88-year-old gave the crowd a thumbs up and made the sign of the cross before being wheeled back into his room. The crowd erupted in chants of "Viva il papa!" and "Papa Francesco," celebrating his recovery.
On his way back to the Vatican, the pope stopped in the center of Rome to pray at the Papal Basilica. He did not deliver his usual weekly prayer but shared a statement in which he addressed some of the world's conflicts, including the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Pope Francis made another surprise public appearance two weeks after his discharge on April 6, 2025, greeting crowds at the Vatican. He appeared in good spirits, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula. The faithful cheered for him at the end of a mass in St. Peter's Square.
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Pope Francis's health issues
Pope Francis has had a series of health issues throughout his life, some of which have resulted in hospitalisations. In 1957, when he was 21 years old and known as Jorge Bergoglio, he was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining, and had to have part of his lung removed. This made him more prone to infections.
In July 2021, Pope Francis underwent surgery for diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal condition where bulges form in the intestinal wall. During this surgery, doctors removed 33cm of his colon. In January 2023, Pope Francis told the Associated Press that the diverticulosis that had prompted the 2021 surgery had returned but was under control. In June 2023, he underwent abdominal surgery to remove scar tissue and repair an abdominal hernia. In late November 2023, he suffered from influenza and lung inflammation, forcing him to cancel a planned trip to Dubai.
Pope Francis was hospitalised from 14 February 2025 to 23 March 2025. He was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment of bronchitis and diagnostic tests. He was subsequently diagnosed with a severe respiratory infection, a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, and bilateral pneumonia. During his hospitalisation, he suffered two "critical episodes" where his life was in danger, and he required oxygen therapy and a non-invasive ventilator.
Following his discharge, Pope Francis made his first public appearance, greeting the faithful from a hospital balcony. He then returned to the Vatican, stopping in the centre of Rome to pray at the Papal Basilica. He has since made other public appearances, including appearing in a wheelchair in St. Peter's Square and meeting with inmates at Regina Coeli prison in Rome. While the Pope's voice is improving, he still requires nasal oxygen cannulas and high-flow ventilation at night.
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Pope Francis's return to the Vatican
Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after spending five weeks in hospital battling severe health issues. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on 14 February 2025, for a case of bronchitis, which developed into a severe respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia.
The Pope's doctors revealed that he had suffered four acute episodes of respiratory crises during his hospitalisation, two of which were critical and put him in danger of his life. Pope Francis also experienced mild kidney failure and a severe coughing fit that required mechanical ventilation. Despite these challenges, the Pope continued to lead the Church from the hospital, making appointments and launching a new reform process.
On 23 March 2025, Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital and returned to the Vatican. Before leaving the facility, he made his first public appearance since his hospitalisation, greeting hundreds of faithful from a hospital balcony. He appeared weak but in good spirits, offering a thumbs-up and making the sign of the cross. The crowd erupted in chants of "Viva il papa!" and "Papa Francesco," celebrating his remarkable recovery.
On his way back to the Vatican, Pope Francis made a detour to the Papal Basilica in the centre of Rome to pray. He then arrived at the Vatican, where he was expected to rest and continue his recovery. Doctors have prescribed at least two months of rest and rehabilitation, during which he will avoid large or stressful meetings. The Pope's return to full health is expected to take time, and it is unclear how much activity he will undertake in the coming months.
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Pope Francis's ongoing health struggles
Pope Francis has been facing ongoing health struggles, with his most recent hospitalisation marking his most serious health crisis to date. The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on 14 February 2025, and his condition quickly escalated into a severe health crisis.
The 88-year-old pope has had a series of health issues throughout his life, including a partial lung removal when he was just 21 years old. This prior lung condition made him more susceptible to respiratory infections, which led to his hospitalisation in February. During his hospital stay, Pope Francis experienced several critical episodes, including two life-threatening crises, and required oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation at certain points.
Pope Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis, a severe respiratory infection, and bilateral pneumonia. He also suffered from a "polymicrobial infection" in his respiratory tract, causing serious coughing fits and respiratory distress. The pope's health condition captivated the world's attention, as he remained out of the public eye and missed significant events, such as the Catholic Church's jubilee celebration.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis continued to lead the Church from the hospital, making appointments and launching reforms. He also shared recorded messages, expressing his gratitude for the prayers he received from the Catholic faithful. The pope's doctors have emphasised the seriousness of his condition and the need for a prolonged recovery period, prescribing at least two months of rest and rehabilitation.
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on 23 March 2025, five weeks after his initial hospitalisation. He made his first public appearance since his admission, greeting a crowd of well-wishers and offering blessings. The pope's discharge from the hospital was met with relief and celebration, with many expressing their joy at witnessing the pope's remarkable recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after spending five weeks in Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14, 2025, for a bout of bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia.
Pope Francis is currently stable and recovering at the Vatican. Doctors have said that it will take time for his body to heal fully and that he will need rest and rehabilitation.
Yes, Pope Francis made his first public appearance on March 23, 2025, the day he was discharged from the hospital. He waved and offered blessings to a crowd of well-wishers from a hospital window.
Yes, Pope Francis has had several health issues in the past. In 2021, he underwent surgery for diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal condition, and in 2023, he had surgery for a hernia. Additionally, he has had a history of respiratory illnesses and had part of one lung removed when he was young, making him more prone to infections.
