On Monday, Pope Francis appeared publicly for the first time in more than a month, briefly addressing a crowd from a balcony at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The 88-year-old pontiff had been receiving care there since February 14 for a respiratory illness that developed into acute complications. His appearance, short and subdued, came just before his release from the hospital later that day.
The Vatican had confirmed a day earlier that the pope would take part in the Angelus prayer, a weekly tradition he had missed for five consecutive Sundays. Pushed out in a wheelchair, Francis greeted the crowd with a soft “thank you,” managing a faint smile and a blessing. Observers noted his frail condition, a result of ongoing oxygen therapy and weeks of limited activity. Despite his weakened voice, the moment was welcomed by Catholics around the world as a hopeful signal of recovery.
Initial reports in February had described the illness as bronchitis, but further updates revealed a more serious respiratory condition. According to his medical team, including Dr. Sergio Alfieri, Francis experienced two episodes of acute breathing difficulty during his stay, prompting increased monitoring and treatment. By March 22, his doctors deemed him stable enough to return home, though they advised at least two months of rest and restricted duties.
Following his balcony appearance, Francis departed the hospital in a white Fiat and made a quiet stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. While he remained in the vehicle, his aides placed flowers before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, a devotional act the pope has often performed before and after important events. He then returned to Casa Santa Marta, his residence inside Vatican City.
There is still uncertainty regarding his upcoming schedule. The Vatican has not confirmed whether he will receive Britain’s King Charles on April 8 or lead Easter Mass on April 20. His physicians continue to monitor his recovery closely, noting that while his lungs are improving, vocal strain and overall fatigue remain concerns.
The pope’s return was met with relief and celebration. In St. Peter’s Square, large screens broadcast the moment live, while in his home country of Argentina, parishioners expressed gratitude in church services. “I cried when I saw him,” said Raquel Martinez, a woman outside a Buenos Aires cathedral. “It felt like seeing a parent return home after a long absence.”
Francis’s illness comes at a time when the world is facing multiple humanitarian challenges. Though his public activity has been limited, the pope issued a written message calling for peace in both Gaza and Ukraine, underscoring his continued focus on international conflict and diplomacy.
His appearance, though brief, offered a quiet reassurance that he remains present and engaged, even as he enters a slower pace of leadership. While speculation about his long-term capacity continues, Francis has shown no public interest in stepping down. For now, Catholics worldwide are watching and hoping for his full recovery—grateful for even a small wave from a hospital balcony.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license and was created by BogdanSolomenco.
