CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis greeted nearly 3,000 people gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital Sunday in his first public appearance after his hospital stay, which began Feb. 14, Vatican News reported.
Speaking briefly from a small balcony, the Pope thanked the crowd with a faint “Thank you to everyone!” He appeared visibly tired but offered a blessing, raised his hands, and waved as the crowd chanted, shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!”, “We love you!”, “We’re here for you!”
Pope Francis greeted some three thousand faithful gathered in the square in front of the entrance to Rome's Gemelli hospital, saying “thank you to everyone!”https://t.co/XtNorwSAvJ
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 23, 2025
Among the attendees was a woman holding yellow flowers, whom the Pope acknowledged with a wave. After the greeting, the Holy Father left the hospital in his white Fiat 500L amid more cheers and well wishes from those gathered.
Before returning to Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican, he made a stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he greeted Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, coadjutor archpriest of the Papal Basilica, who gave him flowers to place by the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani as a sign of gratitude for her care and protection.
Earlier that day, Pope Francis greeted staff and leaders from the Catholic University and Policlinico Gemelli, expressing his appreciation for their support during his recovery.
Vatican News reported March 22 that Gemelli Hospital doctors confirmed the Pope would be discharged the next day following steady improvement after treatment for acute respiratory insufficiency caused by a polymicrobial infection, which led to bilateral pneumonia.
His physician, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, explained that the Pope responded well to a combined pharmacological treatment and remains in stable condition.
Although he avoided intubation, Pope Francis experienced two critical episodes and received non-invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy. Doctors emphasized his cooperation throughout the process and noted that his current loss of voice is a normal part of recovery.
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The Holy Father has been prescribed at least two months of rest, during which he will continue to receive medical care. While he remains informed and engaged with current events and Church matters, his public schedule will remain limited for the time being.