Pope Francis left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital today after five weeks of treatment for pneumonia, making his first public appearance since February 14. He waved to well-wishers from the balcony moments before being dismissed.
The doctors said that the Pope needs at least two months of rest in the Vatican.
The car he was in left the hospital shortly after noon today, and was followed through Rome by a convoy of police vehicles.
The Pope appeared on the balcony of the hospital just before leaving. Using a wheelchair, as he has for several years, he smiled and waved to the group of well-wishers gathered outside. He spoke briefly, in a weak voice, to thank one of the members of the crowd below, who had brought yellow flowers.
During the past five weeks, he had “two very critical episodes” in which “his life was in danger,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors treating the Pope.
Pope Francis was never intubated and was always awake and oriented, said Dr. Alfieri. He is not completely cured, but he no longer has pneumonia and is now in a stable condition, according to his doctors.
Dr. Alfieri said patients with double pneumonia lose their voice a little and “especially in the elderly, it will take time for the voice to return to normal.”
If the trend of improvement continues, doctors said, Pope will be able to return to work as soon as possible.
Photo: Vatican News
