The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, appeared in public for the first time in five weeks, offering a blessing from the window of the Gemelli hospital in Rome before his discharge on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The 88-year-old pontiff, admitted on February 14, has faced serious health challenges, including two critical episodes that reportedly endangered his life.
Pope’s Condition and Recovery
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope’s treating physicians, confirmed that the pontiff had not required intubation and had remained alert and orientated throughout his hospitalisation. While his condition has stabilised, Pope Francis is not yet fully recovered, with doctors advising at least two months of rest at the Vatican.
“The Holy Father never needed intubation and remained fully conscious and aware throughout his treatment,” Dr. Alfieri said. “However, he experienced two very critical episodes where his life was in danger.”
According to medical experts, the Pope had been battling double pneumonia, which has left him with a weakened voice. Dr. Alfieri noted that older patients often take longer to regain their full vocal strength. “Patients with double pneumonia lose their voice a little,” he said. “Especially in the older persons, it will take time for your voice to return to normal.”
Cardinal Victor Fernandez previously explained that high-flow oxygen treatment had dried out the Pope’s vocal cords, requiring him to relearn how to speak properly.
“High-flow oxygen dries everything out, and as a result, the Pope needs to relearn how to speak,” Fernandez said.
Public Appearances and Optimism for the Future
The Pope’s frail voice was evident earlier this month when an audio message in his native Spanish was played in St. Peter’s Square. Despite his breathlessness, he expressed gratitude to the Catholic faithful for their prayers and support. “Thank you for your prayers,” Pope Francis said in the recording. “I feel them and appreciate them deeply.”
His only prior public sighting during his hospitalisation was in a Vatican-released photograph showing him praying in a hospital chapel.
Doctors remain optimistic about the Pope’s recovery, stating that if his condition continues to improve, he will be able to resume his duties soon. However, they emphasise the importance of a gradual return to work to prevent any setbacks.
Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has experienced multiple health concerns throughout his life, including the partial removal of a lung at the age of 21. His latest hospitalisation has reignited discussions about his long-term ability to fulfill his demanding role as head of the Church.
For now, the Vatican remains hopeful that the Pope’s steady recovery will allow him to continue his mission of leadership and spiritual guidance for Catholics worldwide.
