Pope Francis Back in Vatican After Over a Month in Hospital
Pope returns to Vatican following five-week absence - Pope wraps up five-week absence, returns to Vatican
Hey there! How's it going? Today, we're talking about Pope Francis, who's finally back in the swanky Vatican after spending more than a month in the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. The 88-year-old Catholic Church champ was returned to his Casa Santa Marta digs in a tiny caravan-style car convoy.
Before his grand residential return, Francis took a quick balcony appearance, thanking his dedicated supporters in a shaky voice from his rolling chariot—a wheelchair. A huge crowd below hollered their love and support, the good people that they are.
According to the medical folks, Francis has kicked his life-threatening lung infection but is still recovering from a stubborn lingering one. The Pontiff, ruling over a whopping 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, will be hanging tough at Casa Santa Marta for the next while, taking in top-notch care.
The doctors are satisfied with his speedy recovery, but he looked weathered during his brief balcony debut. It seemed like he had trouble throwing up a blessing in the direction of the cheering crowd. Docs suggest he needs a solid two months of R&R. Given his compromised respiratory system, public appearances might be off the table for a bit. It's unclear whether he'll make the Easter celebrations, but we'll keep you updated on that!
On the way back to his digs, Francis stopped off at his fave church in central Rome, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. It's tradition for him to swing by before important events and trips. Pope Francis has expressed his wish to get buried there, not in the famous St. Peter's Basilica. During transit, Francis soaked in the sunshine from the passenger seat of his pearl-white Fiat 500, with an oxygen tube firmly planted in his nose.
The charismatic Pope Francis started showing symptoms before Christmas, but he battled through a bronchitis and wasn't admitted to the hospital until February 14. There, they diagnosed him with a severe lung infection that affected both lungs. There were some close calls in the hospital, but Francis never had to be connected to a breathing machine, phew!
The head honcho's health scares caused a lot of worry, but he continues to receive medical care and oxygen therapy at Casa Santa Marta. No public events are planned for the time being. In fact, the Vatican's only released one photo of him, taken from behind at an altar, and an audio message, but it was more soothing sleep music than actual communication.
Extra Info:- Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital after battling bilateral pneumonia.- He requires ongoing medical care and rest for at least two months.- The bilateral pneumonia has been successfully treated, and he is undergoing pharmacological treatment, mobility, and respiratory physiotherapy.- He continues to receive oxygen therapy, particularly at night through nasal cannulas, and works on recovery while maintaining his spiritual engagement through daily Mass at the chapel in Santa Marta.
Keywords:- Vatican- Pope Francis- Rome- Catholic Church- Casa Santa Marta- The Doctors- Pneumonia- Fiat 500- King Charles III- Turkey- Holy Year
- The European Parliament, expressing concern for the health of Pope Francis, hopes for a swift recovery for the Pope as he resides at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican following his hospitalization.
- Despite his return to the Vatican, Pope Francis will still require ongoing medical care and rest for at least two months, as he continues to battle the after-effects of the pneumonia he contracted, which was treated in Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
- Hoping to return to full health, Pope Francis, while resting in the Vatican, made a brief balcony appearance, thanking his supporters, and expressing his desire to take part in public events once more, potentially including the upcoming Holy Year in Turkey and possible meetings with leaders like King Charles III.
