Rome, Italy – Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks to greet well-wishers outside the hospital where he had been receiving treatment. Despite not leaving his car, he handed a bouquet of flowers to the basilica’s cardinal, emphasizing the importance of the Salus populi Romani icon, which holds great significance to him. The Byzantine-style painting on wood is so revered by Romans that Francis has expressed his desire to be buried in the basilica to remain close to it.
The Pope’s return to Rome’s historic center was met with a crowd of hundreds on a sunny spring morning. His brief blessing from the hospital balcony was accompanied by a thumbs-up gesture, though his labored breathing was noticeable. Chants of “Viva il papa!” filled the air as patients were wheeled outside to catch a glimpse of the beloved leader.
After enduring the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy, the Pope’s return home brought relief to the Vatican and his followers. Dr. Rossella Russomando expressed joy at his discharge, attributing it to the collective prayers from around the world. The Pope’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, emphasized the need for rest and convalescence as Francis returns to the Vatican, reassuring the public that he will eventually resume his normal activities.
Despite the concerns surrounding his health, the Pope’s return garnered emotional responses from pilgrims at the Vatican, who cheered upon seeing him on live TV screens in St. Peter’s Square. Sister Luisa Jimènez, a nun from Francis’ native Argentina, shared the sentiment of many in anticipation of his return. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led the medical team overseeing Francis’ care, highlighted the severity of the Pope’s illness and the risks he faced during his hospitalization.
As Pope Francis continues his recovery at the Vatican with around-the-clock medical care, his doctors remain hopeful for his improvement. The road to full recovery may be long, but the outpouring of support from children around the world and his return to familiar surroundings are expected to aid in his recuperation. Despite the challenges he faced during his hospitalization, the Pope’s resilience and determination to heal have been evident throughout his ordeal.