Pope Francis Blesses Faithful from Hospital Window, Released
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Synopsis
Pope Francis has been discharged from a Rome hospital after over five weeks of treatment for pneumonia. While he is stable, he requires at least two months of rest and recovery, during which he will remain at the Vatican.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis discharged after 5 weeks in hospital.
- Requires two months of rest for full recovery.
- Experienced two critical health episodes.
- Stays connected to current events during hospitalization.
- Encouraged to recuperate at home.
Rome, March 23 (NationPress) After spending over five weeks in a Rome hospital for treatment of respiratory issues and pneumonia, Pope Francis was released on Sunday but requires at least two months of rest before his voice returns to normal.
Just moments before his discharge, the 88-year-old Pope appeared at a window of the Gemelli Hospital to bless the gathered faithful, marking his first public appearance since his admission on February 14, as reported by media outlets.
According to his doctors, he will need a minimum of two months of recuperation at the Vatican.
During his five-week stay, he experienced "two very critical episodes" that put his "life in danger," stated Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team at Gemelli Hospital, who has been treating the Pope for an acute respiratory tract infection and bilateral pneumonia, according to Vatican News.
Nonetheless, he confirmed that the pontiff was never intubated and consistently remained alert and aware.
Doctors indicated that while the Pope is not fully recovered, he is now stable and no longer has pneumonia.
Dr. Alfieri noted that patients with bilateral pneumonia may experience some loss of voice, and especially for the elderly, it may take time for their voice to return to normal, as reported by the BBC.
In a press briefing on Saturday evening, Dr. Alfieri, alongside the Pope’s personal physician, Dr. Sergio Carbone, announced the Pope's upcoming discharge, citing "steady and rapid improvements" in his clinical condition.
"The good news everyone has been waiting for is that tomorrow the Holy Father will be discharged. He will return to Santa Marta," he mentioned, emphasizing the significant improvements seen in the past week.
Dr. Alfieri explained that upon his admission on February 14, the Pope was suffering from acute respiratory insufficiency due to a polymicrobial infection that led to bilateral pneumonia, requiring a combination of pharmacological treatments.
He confirmed that the bilateral pneumonia has been effectively treated, but a complete recovery will require time.
As a result, the Pope has been advised to rest for at least two months, during which he will receive medical care and adequate rest.
Dr. Alfieri highlighted the Pope's health is improving and expressed hope that he will soon resume his work schedule, though he clarified this does not imply he will immediately start meeting with groups and individuals as he did previously.
The doctor also reiterated that throughout his hospitalization, Pope Francis has been a "good" and cooperative patient, always following the medical team's instructions.
When asked about the Pope's future routine at home, Alfieri mentioned that with ongoing rehabilitation therapy, it is hoped that he will soon return to his normal activities.
The doctor noted that throughout his hospital stay, the Pope remained connected with current events, both related to the church and political matters, and continued to engage in his work.
Dr. Alfieri reiterated that the pontiff is pleased to be discharged, and as all physicians agree, "the best way to recover is to do so at home."
