sockslovely.com – Pope Francis made his first public appearance on March 23, 2025, after a five-week hospitalization due to a severe respiratory infection. The 88-year-old pontiff appeared on a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia.
Visibly frail and in a wheelchair, Pope Francis greeted well-wishers, smiling and waving to the gathered crowd. He expressed gratitude to those who had supported him during his illness, notably acknowledging a woman who frequently sent him flowers.
Following this brief appearance, the Pope returned to his hospital room before being discharged. On his way back to the Vatican, his motorcade stopped at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a site he holds dear. Although he remained in the car, he had a bouquet placed at a beloved Madonna icon within the basilica.
Medical professionals have indicated that Pope Francis’s condition was life-threatening, necessitating a prolonged recovery period. He is expected to require at least two months of rehabilitation, during which he will need to avoid large gatherings and strenuous activities.
Despite his hospitalization agia-marina-donkeyrescue, Vatican officials have assured that the Pope continued to fulfill his responsibilities and remains committed to upcoming engagements, including Easter celebrations and a planned trip to Turkey. However, concerns persist regarding his ability to manage the Church’s affairs given his current health status.