(TheConservativeTimes.org) – After narrowly surviving two life-threatening respiratory crises, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican Sunday following a grueling five-week hospital stay for pneumonia.
Visibly frail but determined, the 88-year-old pontiff made a surprise stop to pray at his favorite basilica before beginning two months of prescribed rest.
The Pope’s discharge from Rome’s Gemelli hospital marked the end of his longest hospital stay during his papacy and the second-longest in recent papal history.
Only St. John Paul II, who spent 55 days hospitalized after a 1981 assassination attempt, endured a longer medical confinement.
Before leaving, Francis appeared on a hospital balcony to bless the waiting crowd, his voice noticeably weakened from extensive oxygen therapy.
Despite his frailty, the pontiff’s spirits remained high as supporters chanted “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco!” in celebration of his recovery.
Francis faced four acute respiratory crises during his hospitalization, with two becoming life-threatening and requiring emergency intervention.
Doctors had to employ non-invasive ventilation to stabilize the Pope, who was initially admitted on February 14 for bronchitis before being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and a fungal lung infection.
The Pope’s existing respiratory vulnerability worsened his already concerning medical challenges.
Francis had part of his right lung removed in his twenties while in his native Argentina, making this recent illness particularly dangerous for the elderly church leader.
“For three or four days he’s been asking when he can go home, so he’s very happy,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone, one of the physicians who treated the Pope during his hospitalization.
Despite returning home, Francis faces a lengthy two-month recovery period at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
His recovery regimen includes continued medication for the fungal lung infection, along with respiratory and physical therapy.
Doctors have ordered the Pope to limit his activities, though no special medical accommodations have been installed at his residence.
The Pope’s hospitalization coincides with the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations, expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
Church officials report that Francis’ absence has not significantly impacted pilgrim numbers.
En route to the Vatican, Francis made two unscheduled stops, including a pause to greet a surprised local dog walker near the basilica.
“I live here up on the street. I just told him welcome back home,” said Stefania, the woman who encountered the Pope during his surprising stop.
He also went on to pray at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a church he traditionally visits before and after international travel.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led the Pope’s medical team, cautioned that while Francis should eventually resume normal activities, his full recovery will take time.
The pontiff’s voice remains weak and raspy, but doctors expect gradual improvement as he continues treatment at the Vatican under careful medical supervision.
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