Pope Francis discharged after 38 days in hospital and returns to Vatican with restrictions

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, will be discharged this Sunday (23) after spending 38 days at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. At 88 years old, he battled bilateral pneumonia that required intensive care and an extended recovery period. The medical team announced his release on Saturday (22), stating that the pontiff will return to the Vatican but must rest for two months to fully regain his health. Expectations are high that Francis will make a brief public appearance as he leaves the hospital, waving to the faithful awaiting his departure.

The hospitalization, which began in mid-February, was marked by severe respiratory challenges treated with high-flow oxygen. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the pope maintained good spirits for most of the time, according to medical reports, and expressed relief upon learning of his discharge. Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team, described Francis as an “exemplary patient” who diligently followed instructions during his five-week stay. His release comes after significant improvement, though he has been advised to adopt a calmer lifestyle in the coming months.

Returning to the Vatican does not mean an immediate resumption of intense duties. Francis will follow a tailored schedule that includes respiratory physiotherapy and speech exercises to recover his voice, weakened by prolonged treatment. The bilateral pneumonia, an infection affecting both lungs, left temporary aftereffects, but doctors remain optimistic about his gradual recovery.

A historic hospitalization and intensive care

Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in early February with severe respiratory distress symptoms. The diagnosis of double pneumonia prompted an aggressive treatment plan, including continuous oxygen support and constant monitoring. At the height of the crisis, roughly two weeks ago, his condition raised concerns among the faithful and medical staff, but he responded well to the interventions. This 38-day hospitalization stands as the longest for a pontiff in modern history, surpassing previous records.

The team, led by Sergio Alfieri, emphasized the positive progress in recent days. Recent tests showed a significant reduction in lung inflammation, allowing a gradual withdrawal of respiratory support. Nonetheless, doctors opted for an extended rest period, wary that a premature return to duties could jeopardize his recovery. This cautious approach reflects concerns over Francis’s advanced age and medical history, which includes the removal of part of one lung in his youth.

While hospitalized, the pope stayed in limited contact with close aides and followed Vatican administrative matters remotely. His discharge this Sunday marks the end of a challenging chapter but the beginning of a transitional phase, with restrictions set to impact his papal agenda for months.

• Daily respiratory physiotherapy will take place at the Vatican.
• Speech exercises aim to restore his voice, affected by oxygen use.
• Large group meetings are suspended per medical advice.

What to expect from Francis’s recovery

Upon arriving at the Vatican, the pope will begin a structured rehabilitation process. Respiratory physiotherapy will be crucial to strengthen his lungs, while speech exercises target the effects of intensive care. Alfieri noted that Francis’s voice, currently hoarse and frail, should improve progressively, though no exact timeline has been set. The priority is preventing new infections, requiring heightened precautions at a time when seasonal respiratory illnesses remain prevalent in Europe.

At the Vatican, Francis’s routine will be adjusted to include only essential engagements. Public audiences and large-scale celebrations, such as the traditional blessings in St. Peter’s Square, may be scaled back or replaced with live broadcasts. This measure aims to shield the pontiff from risky interactions, particularly given his weakened immunity post-hospitalization. Aides are already preparing a light schedule featuring internal meetings and pre-recorded messages to maintain his active presence without strain.

The medical team also prescribed a specific diet and ongoing monitoring of vital signs. The hope is that, after two months of rest, Francis can resume more demanding activities, such as international trips or major events, pending future assessments. For now, stabilizing his condition remains the focus.

Timeline of discharge and next steps

Francis’s departure from Gemelli Hospital is scheduled for Sunday morning (23). He will leave in an adapted vehicle, accompanied by security and medical staff, heading to the Vatican. Before departing, the pope plans to briefly greet the faithful gathered outside, a symbolic gesture of gratitude for their support. The short journey to his residence will occur under tight security, given the global attention on the event.

At the Vatican, the initial days will focus on adapting to new routines. Below are the key points of the immediate plan:

• Sunday (23): Hospital discharge and return to the Vatican with a greeting to the faithful.
• Monday (24) to Saturday (29): Start of physiotherapy and papal agenda adjustments.
• April: Weekly medical checkups and continued rest.

This timeline reflects the prudence of both the medical team and the Vatican, balancing Francis’s health with his duties as the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics.

Impacts on Catholic Church leadership

Francis’s prolonged hospitalization sparked discussions about the continuity of his papacy, particularly given his advanced age. At 88, he is among the oldest pontiffs to hold office in recent times, and his health has been a focal point since he took over in 2013. Nevertheless, he showed resilience throughout the ordeal, remaining lucid and involved in Church decisions, albeit remotely.

During his five-week hospital stay, cardinals and bishops stepped in to handle ceremonial and administrative tasks, ensuring the Vatican’s operations continued smoothly. With his discharge, Francis is expected to gradually reclaim leadership, though with constraints that may alter the pace of his pontificate. Events like the 2025 Jubilee, a major global Catholic gathering, loom ahead, and his participation will hinge on his recovery progress.

The pneumonia episode also underscored the value of advanced medical care. Gemelli Hospital, a longstanding facility for pontiffs, played a critical role in his treatment success, cementing its status as a top-tier institution for complex cases.

Details of the adjusted Vatican routine

Back at the Vatican, Francis will follow a streamlined agenda prioritizing internal activities. Meetings with close advisors and recorded messages will dominate the coming weeks, while public events take a backseat. Below are some anticipated changes:

• Reduced general audiences to avoid crowds.
• Use of video calls for meetings with religious leaders.
• Focus on administrative duties without travel.

Francis’s experience as a patient may also shape his future messages. Known for addressing issues like healthcare and solidarity, he is likely to emphasize the need for accessible medical treatment, particularly in underserved regions.