VATICAN (SE): Pope Francis returned to the Casa Sancta Marta in the Vatican on Sunday, March 23, after spending 38 days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital. He appeared on the balcony of the hospital at 12 noon [Rome time]. He greeted those present, imparted his blessing and gave the ‘thumbs up’ to the nearly three thousand people gathered in the square below who were applauding his appearance and release from hospital, Vatican News reported.
The said just a few words, gave the thumbs up sign, lifted his hands to bless the crowds, followed by waving and smiling to those below who were shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!”, “We love you!”, “We’re here for you!”
“Thank you to everyone!” the pope said with a faint voice still affected by the respiratory therapies he had been undergoing.
Leaving the hospital, he headed for the Basilica of Saint Mary Major where he met with Rolandas Cardinal Makrickas, coadjutor archpriest of the papal basilica, giving him flowers to be placed before the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani as a sign of his gratitude for her care and protection.
Earlier the Holy See Press Office reported that Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the Gemelli Hospital medical team that has been treating the pope for an acute respiratory tract infection and bilateral pneumonia said, told reporters that Pope Francis was being discharged “in a stable clinical condition, with a prescription to partially continue drug therapy and of a convalescence and rest period of at least two months.”
Flanked by the pope’s personal physician, Doctor Sergio Carbone, Doctor Alfieri added that while the pope’s health is improving steadily and he will soon be able to resume a work schedule, he will not immediately start meeting with people and groups ]. “He will probably be able to carry out [these things] once he has finished the prescribed convalescence and expected clinical improvements are recorded,” Alfieri said.
He said that Pope Francis has been a “good” patient, always following the directions of the medical team. He also confirmed that the pope suffered two critical episodes, during which his life was in danger. He was given non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, but stressed that he was never intubated and was always alert and oriented OSV News reported.
Alfieri also assured that a temporary “loss of voice” after bilateral pneumonia and its treatment is normal, and he said Pope Francis does not suffer from diabetes. In his March 9 audio message, the pope had obvious difficulty speaking. He said that compared to then, “We have seen important improvements.”
His physicians agreed that “the best way to recover is to do so at home.”
The Holy See Press Office announced earlier in the morning of March 22 that Pope Francis would make his first appearance in five weeks and greet the crowd outside Gemelli Hospital and impart his blessing shortly after 12 noon [7:00pm Hong Kong Kong time] Angelus on Sunday, March 23
Earlier bulletins:
In it’s bulletin on the evening of Friday, March 21 [Rome time], the Holt See Press Office reported that Pope Francis’ condition “continues to be stable and shows improvements in his respiratory and motor functions” and that, in addition to no longer needing mechanical ventilation, he uses less high-flow oxygen.
However, “the doctors have not yet given any indication regarding his discharge from the hospital.”
The pope “did not receive any visitors but spent his day in prayer, therapy, and work activities,” tyhe bulletin said.
In it’s evening bulletin on March 19 [Rome time], the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis no longer needed mechanical ventilation at night and had less need of high-flow oxygen therapy during the day.
It reported that the pope’s “motor and respiratory physiotherapy is continuing to make progress.”
In the morning he concelebrated Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
Pope Francis’ doctors reported that his lung infections are under control, although not eliminated. However, the values of his clinical analyses are in the normal range, and he continues to be fever-free.
The pope spent his day receiving treatment, praying, and doing some work. No decision has yet been made regarding who will preside over liturgies during Holy Week.
Because Pope Francis’ condition is stable, any update on his health is expected no earlier than next week, although the Holy See Press Office will give some general information to journalists on Friday, and again on Monday.
In a brief report on the evening of March 18 [Rome time], the Holy See Press Office said that Pope Francis did not require did not require mechanical ventilation during the night. It said that his condition continued to improve, just over a month since he was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, later complicated by bliateral pneumonia.
“There have been slight improvements in his motor and respiratory functions,” the bulletin said, adding that the need for non-invasive ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day continues to decrease.
Pope Francis was spent the day “undergoing treatments, engaging in prayer, and doing some light work. He continues to follow a medically prescribed diet.”
The Holy See Press Office reported on the evening of March 17 [Rome time] that Pope Francis’ is showing slight improvement and that i=his condition is stable. Respiratory and physio-therapy have been effective and he has less need of oxygen therapy.
The report said that the pope “spent the day in prayer, resting, and doing some work.”
On Sunday morning, March 16 [Rome time, the HJoly See Press Office released a photo of Pope Francis in prayer after having concelebrated the Mass .
That the morning, around 200 children from UNICEF and various groups from Italy gathered in the square in front of Gemelli Hospital bearing flowers, balloons, and a “symbolic embrace” for the pope. They looked up at the windows of the tenth floor of the hospital where the his is receiving care hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
The health bulletin indicated that Pope Francis has benefitted from his physiotherapy, in particular. However, though he continued with some work, he did not receive visitors.
His medical condition remains stable, but still defines as “complex” by his doctors.
On the evening of Saturday, March 15, the Holy See Press Office said that that the pope’s condition was stable, though he still requires hospital medical care, as well as physiotherapy and respiratory physiotherapy.
Pope Francis spent most of his day with therapy, prayer, rest, and some work., Vatican News reported.
The pope’s recovery is progressing steadily, and time is needed to ensure that improvements are sustained. Throughout Friday, March14, the pontiff engaged in prayer and continued his respiratory and physiotherapy sessions.
The Holy See Press Office emphasised that it signals an “encouraging indication of the pope’s health status.” Health bulletins will be issued less frequently.
In its Friday, March 14 [Rome time] bulletin, the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis had “a quiet night.”
On the afternoon of March 13, medical staff brought a cake with candles to the pope’s room to help him celebrate the 12th anniversary of his pontificate the Holy See Press Office reported in its evening briefing.
Earlier in its morning bulletin on March 13, the Holy See Press Office reported that the received hundreds of letters from schools, associations, religious institutes, young people and children for his anniversary and for his recovery. They had arrived in the Vatican and were brought to the pope in the hospital.
The bulletin said that Pope Francis had a restful night and following the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia “as he has been doing, via video link, throughout the week” and continues his treatment and mobility-related physical therapy. He also went to the chapel to pray.
On Wednesday evening, March 12 [Rome time], the Holy See Press Office reported that the pope’s condition was stable and that x-rays confirmed the improvements to his condition observed over the last few days.
During the morning, after following the Spiritual Exercises of the Curia at the Paul VI Hall via video link, “he received the Eucharist, dedicated time to prayer, and then continued with physical therapy,” Vatican News reported.
In its Wednesday morning bulletin, the HOly See Press Office confirmed that Pope Francis had rested well overnight.
Earlier on Tuesday, March 11 [Rome time], the pope’s medical condition continued to remained stable—though complex—and doctors confirmed slight improvements. A detailed medical bulletin was not issued as in previous days, in view of the stable health situation.
On the 67th anniversary of his entry into the Society of Jesus, followed, via video link, the Spiritual Exercises in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican where members of the Roman Curia gathered. They also prayed a Rosary for the pope’s healing.
Vatican News reported that In the private chapel of his apartment at the hospital, Pope Francis spent time in prayer. He did not receive visitors, but dedicating time to prayer and meditation as part of the spiritual exercises. He also received the Eucharist in the morning and continued his prescribed therapies.
Earlier, in its Tuesday morning[ Rome time] bulletin, the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis had a restful night and woke up about 8.00am .
In it’s briefing on Monday evening, March 10 [Rome time], the Holy See Press Office, reported that Pope Francis’ health situation continued to improve and that the doctors lifted their “guarded” prognosis. However he would need to remain in hospital for some time yet to continue his medical treatment.
The briefing said that the pope’s condition has remained stable, and that this has been confirmed by blood tests and clinical findings, as well as the pope’s response to medication.
“This morning, the Holy Father was able to follow the Spiritual Exercises of the Curia via a video link with the Paul VI Hall; he then received the Eucharist and went to the chapel of his private apartment for a moment of prayer, Vatican News reported. He again joined the Curia’s Spiritual Exercise and alternated between prayer and rest throughout the day.
He also the sent a telegramme of prayers and closeness to those who have experienced deadly flooding in the Argentinian port city of Bahía Blanca as well as the nearby city of Cerri.
Earlier on Monday morning [March 10, Rome time], the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis had a quiet night .
On Sunday evening [March 9, Rome time] it reported that the pope continued to gradually improve and that he followed the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia via video link from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday afternoon, it reported. The exercises are being led by the preacher of the Papal Household, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap.
Earlier that morning, secretary of state, Pietro Cardinal Parolin, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the substitute [sostituto] for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, visited the pope and updated him on certain situations in the Church and the world, along with other work-related activities, Vatican News reported
In its Sunday morning bulletin, March 9 [Rome time] the Holy See Press Office reported that “overnight was quiet and the pope is resting.” .
In its Saturday evening, March 8 [7.53 pm, Rome time] health bulletin on Pope Francis, the Holy See Press Office reported that he has responded well to treatment and therapy. However, doctors remain guarded in their prognosis.
“The Holy Father’s clinical condition over the last few days has remained stable and, consequently, shows a good response to the therapies. There is therefore a gradual, mild improvement.” it was reported by Vatican News.
The pope has had no fever and the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange during breathing has improved. In addition, his blood chemistry and blood count are stable.
However, as these are initial improvements, doctors continue to maintain a guarded prognosis.
In the morning, Pope Francis received Communion and spent time in prayer. In the afternoon he alternated between work and rest.
“The pope will follow the spiritual exercises, which on Sunday, March 9, in spiritual communion with the Roman Curia,” the bulletin said.
Pope Francis spent Friday, March 7, resting and in prayer, the Holy See Press Office said in its evening briefing. It confirmed that the pope continued with his medical treatments and respiratory physiotherapy regime
“During the morning, the pope spent about 20 minutes in prayer in the chapel on the tenth floor of the hospital, where his room is situated. Throughout the day, he also carried out some work-related activities,” Vatican News reported.
Doctors say his condition is stable, but the overall picture is still “complex”. The pope prognosis remains “guarded”.
On Friday morning [Rome time], the Holy See Press Office said that Pope Francis had a restful night and woke up at shortly after 8.00am.
The evening before, the pope issued a short audio message thanking people for their prayers.
“I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square. I accompany you from here. May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you,” Pope Francis said in a short audio recording issued on evening of Thursday, March 6 [Rome time], Vatican News reported.
In his message recorded in Spanish, the pope gave thanks for the many testimonies of love and closeness that he has received since being admitted to hospital on February 14. It was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square at 9.00pm at the beginning of the Rosary prayer, led on Friday evening by Ángel Cardinal Fernández Artime, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.
Since February 24, thousands have come together in St. Peter‘s Square to recite the Holy Rosary for the health of Pope Francis, who is being treated for pneumonia in the Gemelli Hospital.
In its medical update the Holy See Press Office reported that the pope’s “clinical condition has remained stable compared to previous days,” and that “He has not experienced any episodes of respiratory insufficiency today. The pope has continued both respiratory and motor physiotherapy with beneficial effects. Hemodynamic parameters and blood test results remain stable.
Pope Francis also engaged in some work, alternating with prayer and rest through the day, and also receive the Eucharist before lunch.
The medical bulleting siad: “Given the stability of his clinical condition, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.”
On Wednesday morning [March 6, Rome time], the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis had another good night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
“The night passed quietly; the pope is still resting,” it reported.
In its Ash Wednesday, March 4, evening briefing [Rome time] it was reported that Pope Francis “participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. He then received the Eucharist,” the Holy See Press Office reported .
The Holy See Press Office reported that afterwards the pope “engaged in several work activities. During the morning, he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza.”
The pope’s condition remained stable and he had no incidents of respiratory insufficiency. “As planned, he utilised supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight,” Vatican News reported. He has also “increased his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy.”
However the pope’ prognosis still remains guarded.
Earlier, in it’s Wednesday, March 4 (Rome time) morning briefing, the Holy See Press Office reported the Pope Francis had rested well last overnight iand woke up slightly after 8.00am, adding that his oerall clinical condition remained stable, including heart, kidney, and blood values, Vatican News reported.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 4 (Rome time), it was reported that Pope Francis’s clinical condition, including his heart, kidney, and blood values, “remained stable,” anad he hadno t experienced episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm.
The pope had no fever, was oriented and alert, and continued with his respiratory therapies. Earlier that morning, the Holy See Press Office stated that “the pope slept through the night and now continues to rest.” Throughout the day, he alternated between prayer and rest, receiving the Eucharist in the morning.
Due to his pneumonia, bronchospasms are not unexpected, according to Vatican News. However, his health situation remains complex.
Previously, on the evening of Monday, March 3 (Rome time), the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis had suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by an accumulation of mucus. He underwent aspiration to help remove the large accumulations resulting from his pre-existing pneumonia.
“The Holy Father remained alert, oriented, and cooperative at all times,” the report states. “The prognosis remains guarded.” Pope Francis’s test values were unchanged and indicated that he does not have leukocytosis, which suggests that there is no new infection, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The report noted that the cause of the two episodes was the reaction of the bronchi— the large breathing passages that carry air in and out of the lungs— attempting to expel the accumulated mucus to eliminate bacteria. Thus, the pope’s clinical condition remains complex, and further crises similar to those earlier in the day are possible.
Earlier that morning, the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis had slept well through the night.
On the evening of Sunday, March 2 (Rome time), Vatican News indicated that the Pope’s condition had remained stable and that he “has not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation but only supplemental high-flow oxygenation. He does not have a fever.”
In the morning, the Pope participated in Mass with those caring for him during his hospitalization, alternating between rest and prayer afterward. Vatican News reported that there were no evident direct consequences from the isolated bronchospasm that occurred last Friday. However, the medical report adopted a cautious stance, stating that “the risk of a deterioration in the Pope’s condition remains.”
In its evening briefing on Saturday, March 1 (Rome time), the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis was in stable condition and had not experienced any further respiratory incidents. The prognosis was still guarded. The Pope did not have a fever and showed no signs of leukocytosis. He continued his respiratory physiotherapy and “remains alert and oriented.” Additionally, he received the Eucharist.
“The Pope remains in good spirits. Today, he prayed in the chapel near his hospital room for around twenty minutes,” Vatican News reported.
In its morning briefing on March 1 (Rome time), the Holy See Press Office stated that Pope Francis had slept well and spent the first part of the morning resting. It noted that he had no further crises, enjoyed breakfast, “had a coffee, and read the newspapers.” However, his condition remains complex, and the prognosis is still guarded.
