Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance After Hospitalization

Pope Francis, who was recently discharged from the hospital after being treated for pneumonia, made his first public appearance on March 23, 2025. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on March 15, appeared in good spirits as he greeted well-wishers from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

During his brief address, Pope Francis thanked the medical staff for their care and expressed gratitude to those who had prayed for his recovery. He also urged the faithful to continue praying for peace in the world, particularly in regions affected by conflict.

The Pope's hospitalization had sparked concern among Catholics worldwide, as he had previously been hospitalized in 2021 for a similar respiratory issue. However, Vatican officials stated that his recovery had been swift, and he was expected to resume his regular duties soon.

• Gemelli Hospital
• Pope Francis
• Rome
• Vatican

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Why was Pope Francis hospitalized?

Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 with a severe respiratory infection that caused pneumonia in both lungs.

Has the Pope left the hospital?

Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital Sunday after making a brief public appearance for the first time in more than five weeks, waving to a crowd from his window at Rome's Gemelli Hospital where he had been hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs.

Is the pope recovering?

After a 5-week hospital stay that triggered fears of a potential papal resignation, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican Sunday. The big picture: But now, two months of rest and recovery prescribed by his doctors begin — just weeks out from Easter Sunday and the holiest days of the Catholic Church's year.

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