Pope Francis Makes First Appearance Before Discharge from Hospital

Rome: Pope Francis has made his first public appearance ahead of his discharge, after being hospitalised in the hospital for a month and a half. The pontiff will now be returning to the Vatican and begin his rest, as per his doctors' advice.

Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance Ahead of Discharge

The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been in the hospital, undergoing treatment for double pneumonia, that caused a threat to his life twice, is finally getting discharged and returning to the Vatican.

Also Read: Pope Francis' Health Update: Timeline of Pontiff's Longest Hospital Stay Ahead of His Discharge

Pope Francis has made his first public appearance and is set to go back to the Vatican and start his two-month rest, rehabilitation and convalescence, as advised to him by the doctors. He will first be offering a Sunday blessing from his papal suite on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital, where he had been admitted for treatment.

Pope Francis Health Update: Here's What Personal Doctor Said

In a press conference arranged on Saturday evening, Dr. Luigi Carbone, the personal doctor of Pope Francis has said that eventually, the pontiff will be able to get back to his normal activities if he continues to show slow and steady progress.

The treatment of the pneumonia infection has been completed successfully but the oral medication will continue for a while so that the fungal infection in Pope Francis' lungs is completely treated; the pontiff's respiratory and physical physiotherapy will also go on. 

No special provisions have been made at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis resides in a two-room suite on the second floor. He will have access to supplemental oxygen and round-the-clock medical care if necessary. However, Carbone expressed hope that Francis would gradually require less respiratory support as his lungs heal.

Timeline of Pope Francis' Hospitalisation

February 14 – Pope Francis is admitted to the hospital with bronchitis and a mild fever, following a morning of meetings. Doctors diagnose him with a respiratory tract infection.

February 17 – The pope is diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection (bacterial, viral, and fungal) in his respiratory system, marking a setback in his recovery.

February 18 – An X-ray reveals that Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, marking another setback. He begins treatment with cortisone and antibiotics.

February 21 – At a press conference, the pope's doctors announce that while he remains in critical condition and is not out of danger, his situation is not immediately life-threatening. They also report that he has developed steroid-induced diabetes, which is being managed. The prognosis remains uncertain.

February 22 – Pope Francis is in critical condition after experiencing a respiratory crisis and requiring high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes, the first indication of assisted breathing. He also receives two blood transfusions after tests show signs of anemia and low platelet counts, which are later addressed.

February 23 – Doctors announce that the pope is experiencing the onset of mild kidney failure, but there is no repeat of the respiratory crisis. His condition remains critical.

February 26 – The mild kidney failure begins to regress, showing signs of improvement.

February 28 – Pope Francis suffers a coughing spasm that leads to inhaling vomit, requiring non-invasive aspiration. He responds well to the procedure and is placed on a non-invasive mechanical ventilation mask to supply supplemental oxygen to his lungs. His prognosis remains uncertain.

March 4 – The pope experiences two acute bronchospasm episodes, requiring bronchoscopies to remove mucus plugs. Despite the setbacks, he remains alert, oriented, and cooperative. His prognosis is still guarded.

March 6 – Pope Francis records an audio message to thank the faithful for their prayers, though his voice is weak and he struggles to breathe.

March 10 – Doctors announce that Pope Francis is no longer at risk of dying from pneumonia, but he remains in the hospital for continued treatment.

March 12 – A chest X-ray shows improvements in the pope’s condition.

March 13 – The pope celebrates the 12th anniversary of his papacy from the hospital, receiving a cake and hundreds of messages and drawings with well-wishes. No medical update is given.

March 14 – Pope Francis marks one month in the hospital. The Vatican announces that it will stop providing daily updates about his condition and will issue fewer medical bulletins, indicating improvements in his health.

March 16 – The Vatican releases the first photo of Pope Francis during his hospitalization. The image shows him seated in front of the altar in the private chapel at Gemelli Hospital, with no visible breathing tube.

March 22 – Doctors announce that Pope Francis will be discharged the next day and will undergo at least two months of recovery, during which he is advised to avoid large group meetings.