Jordan Ellis
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for treatment of a severe respiratory infection. The 88-year-old Pope has had several health issues throughout his life, including lung problems, and this hospital stay was his longest during his 12-year papacy. After 38 days of treatment, he returned to the Vatican on March 23, 2025, where he was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of hospital admission | 14 February 2025 |
| Hospital | Gemelli Hospital, Rome |
| Reason for admission | Respiratory infection, double pneumonia, bronchiectasis, lung disease, bronchitis, kidney failure |
| Treatment | Cortisone antibiotic therapy, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, oxygen support |
| Length of stay | 38 days |
| Date of discharge | 23 March 2025 |
| Post-discharge care | Two months of rest and recuperation, continuation of physical therapy and respiratory therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Francis's health issues
Pope Francis has suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including several respiratory problems. At the age of 21, he had part of one lung removed due to a respiratory infection, making him more prone to infections and lung issues later in life.
In February 2025, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he spent 38 days receiving treatment for breathing difficulties, double pneumonia, and infections. During his hospitalisation, he experienced respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and a severe coughing fit, which required mechanical ventilation. The Vatican reported that Pope Francis was gradually improving and was using less mechanical ventilation.
Pope Francis has also been receiving respiratory physiotherapy and physical therapy to help with his mobility, as he has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
Upon his release from the hospital, Pope Francis was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers, to whom he expressed his thanks. He was then transferred back to his residence in the Vatican, where he was instructed to rest and recuperate for two months, refraining from meeting large groups during that time.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis intends to continue his duties. During his hospitalisation, he celebrated the 12th anniversary of his election as Pope and approved a three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church.
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The Pope's hospital stay
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on 14 February 2025, for diagnostic tests. The pope had a mild fever and a respiratory tract infection. He also began hospital medication therapy. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis was suffering from double pneumonia, complicated by bronchiectasis, which may lead to fluid in the lungs.
Pope Francis has suffered from health issues throughout his life. He had part of one lung removed at age 21, making him more prone to infections. He has also been receiving respiratory physiotherapy to help with his breathing and physical therapy to help with his mobility. He has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
The pope's doctors at the hospital briefed reporters, saying he was not out of danger yet, but his condition was not life-threatening. He was expected to remain in the hospital for at least another week. The doctors added that although the pope was recovering well, he was a fragile patient. He was not bedridden nor attached to any machines, according to the doctors.
The pope was in the hospital for 38 days, making it his longest hospital stay during his nearly 12-year papacy. He greeted hundreds of people who had gathered outside the hospital on 23 March 2025, before returning to the Vatican. He thanked the crowd with a weak voice, waving his hands, and giving a thumbs up.
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Pope's supporters gather outside the hospital
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for breathing difficulties, double pneumonia, and infections. The 88-year-old Pope has had a long history of health issues, including lung infections, and has required high-flow oxygen during his hospital stay.
On March 23, 2025, after 38 days of treatment, Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital. Hundreds of people, including Bishop Larry Kulick from the Diocese of Greensburg in the US state of Pennsylvania, gathered outside the hospital to catch a glimpse of the Pope. The crowd erupted in chants of "Viva il papa!" and "Papa Francesco" as the Pope waved from a hospital window, giving a thumbs-up.
The Pope addressed the crowd with a weak voice, thanking them for their support. He also pointed to a woman carrying a bouquet of flowers, saying, "She's good." The Pope's appearance brought relief and joy to his supporters, with some sharing their emotions and expressing their happiness at seeing him healthy and smiling.
The Pope's discharge from the hospital marked the end of a challenging period of hospitalization, during which he experienced several setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and a severe coughing fit. Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis intends to continue his duties, as indicated by his approval of a three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church.
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Pope Francis's recovery and treatment plan
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, due to a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatment. The 88-year-old Pope has had several health issues throughout his life, including lung problems. He suffered from pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed, making him more prone to infections.
During his hospitalisation, Pope Francis experienced respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and a severe coughing fit. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia, complicated by bronchiectasis, a condition that can lead to mucus and fluid in the lungs. He received oxygen support and medication to treat the infection. His condition gradually improved, and he was able to wave to the crowd from the hospital window before being discharged.
Pope Francis returned to his residence in the Vatican on March 23, 2025, after 38 days of treatment. His doctors prescribed two months of rest and recuperation, during which he will continue his physical and respiratory therapy. He is expected to avoid meeting large groups during this time.
The Pope's recovery plan includes rest, medication, and continued physical and respiratory therapy. He will also have access to 24-hour medical care provided by the Vatican health service. While his prognosis is positive, his advanced age and medical history indicate a long and challenging road to a full recovery.
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Pope's return to the Vatican
Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after spending 38 days at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14, 2025, with a severe respiratory infection and other health complications.
During his hospitalisation, Pope Francis experienced respiratory distress, double pneumonia, and infections. The 88-year-old Pope has had a partial lung removal in his youth, making him more susceptible to respiratory issues and infections. Due to these pre-existing health conditions, doctors have stated that Pope Francis will face a long and challenging road to recovery.
The Pope's return to the Vatican was met with relief and joy by people worldwide. Before his discharge, a crowd gathered outside the hospital, and the Pope greeted them with a thumbs-up and a wave. He also expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, everyone."
Upon his return to the Vatican, Pope Francis will continue his recovery and rehabilitation. Doctors have prescribed two months of rest, during which he will continue his physical and respiratory therapy. The Vatican health service will have a doctor and other personnel on duty 24 hours a day to ensure the Pope's well-being.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains dedicated to his duties. Even during his hospitalisation, he celebrated the 12th anniversary of his election as Pope and approved a three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church.
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Frequently asked questions
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, with a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatment. He also suffered from pneumonia, lung disease, and bronchiectasis.
Pope Francis spent 38 days in the hospital, his longest hospital stay during his nearly 12-year papacy.
The Pope's condition was critical at times, suffering from acute respiratory failure and requiring high-flow oxygen levels. However, his condition gradually improved, and he was discharged on March 23, 2025.
After leaving the hospital, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence. He greeted a crowd of well-wishers, thanking them for their support and prayers. Doctors prescribed two months of rest and recuperation, with continued physical and respiratory therapy.
Yes, Pope Francis continued his rehabilitation at home, including rest and limited interactions with large groups. He also required ongoing oxygen support and medication to treat a fungal infection.
