Pope Francis returns to Vatican after five weeks in hospital

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23, 2025, after a five-week hospitalization for severe double pneumonia, marking the most critical health crisis of his papacy. At 88, he made his first public appearance since February 14, departing Rome's Gemelli hospital and signaling a hopeful recovery.

admin Published: March 24, 2025 | Updated: May 3, 2025 1 min read

VATICAN CITY, March 23, 2025 — Pope Francis made his return to the Vatican on Sunday following a challenging five-week stay in the hospital, where he fought a severe case of double pneumonia. This health ordeal has been described as the most critical medical emergency of his 12-year tenure as pope.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who had remained out of the public eye since February 14, also marked the occasion with his first public appearance since his hospitalization. Shortly after midday, he was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital and departed the facility, signaling a hopeful step in his recovery journey.