Lucrezia Ciotti Topics Covered
Today, after five weeks of hospitalization, Pope Francesco is discharged from the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, where he had been undergoing medical treatment. His discharge marks an important step towards recovery and is being closely followed by millions of faithful around the world. In this update, we report all the latest news and developments in real time.
Pope Francis dismissed from Gemelli: greeting to the faithful
The square in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic is already crowded, with the crowd awaiting his arrival around midday. Pope Francesco will look out for his first public appearance after six weeks of hospitalization. The emotion is palpable among those present, anxious to see the Pope again after such a long time.
All eyes are turned toward a window on the second floor of the hospital, the point from which the Pontiff will appear. Among the crowd, numerous flags, including the Spanish one of a group of pilgrims from Blanca and the Israeli one next to the Vatican one, carried by an association that promotes friendship between the two countries.
At 12 the Pope appeared in a wheelchair: “Thank you all and I see this lady with the yellow flowers, how good”.
The Pope reintroduces himself to his faithful with a few words, his voice weak and trembling, but full of emotion. The crowd, visibly moved, welcomes him with a unanimous chorus of “Pope Francis”, launched loudly by all present, as a sign of affection and devotion. A touching moment, which demonstrates how deep and sincere the bond between the Pope and his people is.
Raising the thumb in reassurance, wanted to reassure everyone about his health conditions, showing with a smile his strength and serenity after the long period of convalescence.
Pope Francis dismissed from Gemelli: returns to Santa Marta
After being discharged from the hospital, the papal motorcade has taken off to accompany the Pope to the residence of Santa Marta. The Pontiff left Gemelli Hospital, where he had spent a long period of hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia and a polymicrobial respiratory infection. After a 38-day hospital stay, the Pope is now ready to return to Santa Marta, where he will continue his convalescence.
Pope Francis is heading towards the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the places he frequently visits to devote himself to prayer, both before and after his apostolic journeys. This Marian sanctuary, which has great spiritual significance for the Pontiff, is also the point of reference on special occasions and moments of particular importance, where the Pope gathers in meditation and gratitude.
"Happy to hear that Pope Francis is returning to the Vatican. A special thought and best wishes go to him, with affection and gratitude for his tireless commitment and his precious guidance”, wrote the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, on social media.
Pope Francis laid a bouquet of yellow flowers in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Pope Francis laid a bouquet of flowers before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as a sign of gratitude to the Madonna, after the long period of hospitalization. These are the yellow roses that a faithful, Mrs. Carmela, had brought as a gift to the Holy Father on the occasion of his discharge from the Gemelli hospital.
The Pope then returned to the Vatican, entering through the Perugino gate, the closest to the Casa di Santa Marta. The car carrying him stopped briefly to greet the police before continuing. He wore nose pads to make breathing easier. With his arrival, the two months of convalescence recommended by doctors at the time of his protected discharge from the Policlinico Gemelli began, where he had been admitted on February 14 due to bilateral pneumonia.