Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After 5 Weeks – See Photos & Video

This marked Pope Francis’ first public appearance since February 14, following his hospitalization for double pneumonia and other complications.

Pope Francis made a brief yet emotional appearance on the Gemelli Hospital balcony before his discharge on Sunday, March 23. He smiled and waved to well-wishers who had gathered to see him. Photos and videos of the moment quickly spread online, prompting an outpouring of reactions from concerned fans.

Pope Francis appears on his balcony to speak to the crowds at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

A wheelchair brought Pope Francis to the balcony, and beneath his white cassock, bandages could be seen on both arms. Despite his fragile state, the 88-year-old pontiff greeted the crowd, his voice audibly weak.

Source: Instagram/vaticannewspt and franciscus

Among the crowd was 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, who had visited the hospital every day during the pope’s treatment. Holding a bouquet of yellow flowers, she was visibly emotional when Pope Francis acknowledged her, later saying her heart “was bursting” in that moment.

Pope Francis leaves the Gemelli hospital, the first time he has appeared in public since being admitted to hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Following his brief appearance, the pontiff left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital around noon. His motorcade made a short stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he offered flowers in a quiet act of devotion.

Pope Francis had spent five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia and other complications, marking the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

His first public appearance since February 14 sparked a wave of comments online, with many noting his visibly changed appearance. “Is that really him?” one user asked. Another remarked, “He looks very different.” Some even doubted it was the pope at all, saying, “That’s not the same person.” Others expressed concern: “Looks exhausted,” one wrote, while another sympathized, “Poor man. He’s so frail.” Many simply wished him well, with one user pleading, “Omg… let him rest!”

Though he has returned to the Vatican, doctors have advised the Pope to rest for two months and avoid strenuous activities or large gatherings. His upcoming schedule remains uncertain.

Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

While he breathed unassisted during his public appearance, he used a small oxygen tube under his nose while riding in his car. His condition had been so serious during the hospital stay that he required oxygen support for much of it.

During his hospitalization, the Pope was only seen once—through a Vatican-released image showing him praying in a hospital chapel. As his health declined, questions arose about succession plans, especially after it came to light that Pope Francis had quietly signed a resignation letter to be enacted if he ever became incapacitated.

Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The resignation letter, signed in 2013, raised speculation: What did it mean? How serious was the Pope’s condition? Would he step down—or worse? And how was the Vatican preparing for such a historic shift?

The letter would only be enacted in the event of permanent incapacitation—an act rarely seen in modern Church history.

Pope Francis leaves the Gemelli hospital, the first time he has appeared in public since being admitted to hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Though his condition prompted fresh speculation, reports suggest the Pope has accepted that “the end of his earthly life is very close,” making a formal resignation appear unlikely.

The Vatican has not confirmed any intention to enact the resignation, but had it been used, a specific process would have been triggered.

Pope Francis during the Easter Mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on April 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

According to The Australian’s chief leader writer Tess Livingstone, the first step following a pope’s resignation or death would be to destroy the Pope’s ring and seal, preventing any potential misuse.

A nine-day mourning period—known as novendiales—would follow, accompanied by masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul.

A woman placing a candle in front of an image of Pope Francis outside the Basilica de Guadalupe, in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Pope Francis, however, has expressed a desire to be buried not in the Vatican, but in the Basilica of St. Mary Major—a revered Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, located outside Vatican walls.

In a December 12, 2023 interview with Mexican news outlet N+, the Pope candidly discussed his funeral plans, revealing that he had already spoken with Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, his master of liturgical ceremonies.

Pope Francis arriving to celebrate the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in Vatican City on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

“We simplified them quite a bit,” he said, adding with a smile, “I will premiere the new ritual.” The change marks a break from tradition.

Historically, popes have been buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The last to break this tradition was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and was buried at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Pope Francis photographed with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium, on September 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Only six popes have been buried at St. Mary Major, with the last being Pope Clement IX in 1669. Pope Francis’ decision is deeply personal.

“It’s my great devotion,” he said, explaining that before he became pope, he would regularly visit the basilica when in Rome.

Inside The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy | Source: Getty Images

The church is home to the revered icon Salus Populi Romani (“Salvation of the People of Rome”), a Byzantine-style image of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus. The Pope has long prayed before this image after papal trips and major events.

By November 2024, he had approved revisions to the funeral rites to reflect his personal values, emphasizing his role as a humble bishop rather than a highly exalted figure.

Pope Francis meets in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 18, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported that on April 29, Pope Francis officially approved the updated liturgical book, replacing the version last revised in 2000.

The decision came after the death of Pope Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022. As the first retired pope in 600 years, Benedict’s funeral posed unique challenges and motivated Pope Francis to modernize the ceremonial traditions.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium welcoming Pope Francis at Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium, on September 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Should Pope Francis pass away, the cardinals would begin preparations for a historic transition. “Around the world, about 200 cardinals would be preparing to fly to Rome,” Livingstone explained. “Probably about 50 already live there.”

A conclave would be convened to elect the next pope. Among the cardinals, 138 under the age of 80 would be eligible to vote, while older cardinals would take part in pre-conclave discussions. “That promises to be extremely lively,” Livingstone noted.

Because Pope Francis appointed cardinals from diverse regions—many of whom don’t know each other well—some experts believe the next conclave may be one of the most unpredictable in modern history.

When asked in 2022 whether this diversity might complicate the process, Pope Francis replied, “Of course, from the human point of view. But it is the Holy Spirit who works there.”

Pope Francis delivering his Angelus blessing from the window of his private studio to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, on December 13, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Despite his declining health, the Pope continued working during his hospital stay, reportedly making key decisions and approving new appointments.

He also met with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Vatican’s chief of staff to discuss the canonization of five new saints.

Pope Francis presiding over the Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square, in Vatican City, on April 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Additionally, Pope Francis called for a consistory—a formal gathering of all cardinals—to set the date for officially recognizing the new saints.

However, some within Church circles believe the consistory may also signal larger developments on the horizon.

Pope Francis during a celebration of Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on December 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Speculation around Pope Francis’ resignation has continued, in part due to his previous comments. He had openly stated that he would step down if health issues made his duties impossible—following the precedent of Pope Benedict XVI.

In a 2022 interview, he confirmed that he had signed a resignation letter and handed it to then-Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.

Pope Francis celebrating New Year’s Day during a mass on World Day of Peace in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on January 1, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

“I signed it and I told him, ‘In case of a medical emergency or something similar, here’s my resignation,’” the Pope explained.

He added that the letter had likely been passed to Bertone’s successor, Cardinal Parolin.

Pope Francis blessing a baby during his weekly audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, on February 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

This precaution was not without precedent: “Paul VI also left a resignation letter in case of permanent incapacity,” a journalist told him during the same interview.

“That’s right—and I think Pius XII did too,” Pope Francis responded. However, unlike Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013, Francis has never declared his intention to step down in the near future.

Pope Francis greeting soccer player Dani Alves during the launch of the Scholas Occurrentes International Movement at the Pontifical Urban University in Vatican City, on May 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

In recent weeks, reports suggest the Pope has been focused on solidifying his legacy. Sources close to the Vatican say he was deeply aware of his fragile health and worked urgently to finalize reforms and Church leadership decisions.

According to two individuals familiar with the situation, the Pope was in serious pain and believed he might not recover this time.

Pope Francis meeting Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni at Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, on December 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

In response, he sought to shape the Church’s future by appointing key figures and continuing his progressive vision, even amid internal divisions.