In a heartfelt gathering at the Vatican, Pope Francis addressed a group of doctors, nurses, and medical staff from Policlinico A. Gemelli, where he was recently treated for serious health complications including bronchial infections and double pneumonia. “Thank you, thank you for everything you have done,” he expressed in a weak voice during the meeting, reminiscing about the critical care that brought him back to health.
Despite this moment of gratitude, the Vatican confirmed that the elder pontiff would not be leading the major Easter celebrations, deciding instead to delegate these responsibilities to several cardinals. As concerns grow regarding his ability to participate in the holiday festivities, it remains uncertain if he will make any public appearances; he might still offer a blessing.
The audience marked the first substantial public interaction for Francis since he was discharged on March 23, following a challenging 38-day hospitalization. At the time of his release, doctors disclosed alarming details, revealing that the pope had faced brushes with death twice during his treatment, having first been admitted on February 14 due to severe bronchitis that escalated into pneumonia.
Since returning to the Vatican, Pope Francis has been on a slow road to recovery, residing in his guesthouse and gradually engaging with his duties. Reports from the Vatican press office indicate that he has been undergoing daily physiotherapy while resuming meetings with senior Vatican officials and attending to various documents and texts in his agenda.
Despite this moment of gratitude, the Vatican confirmed that the elder pontiff would not be leading the major Easter celebrations, deciding instead to delegate these responsibilities to several cardinals. As concerns grow regarding his ability to participate in the holiday festivities, it remains uncertain if he will make any public appearances; he might still offer a blessing.
The audience marked the first substantial public interaction for Francis since he was discharged on March 23, following a challenging 38-day hospitalization. At the time of his release, doctors disclosed alarming details, revealing that the pope had faced brushes with death twice during his treatment, having first been admitted on February 14 due to severe bronchitis that escalated into pneumonia.
Since returning to the Vatican, Pope Francis has been on a slow road to recovery, residing in his guesthouse and gradually engaging with his duties. Reports from the Vatican press office indicate that he has been undergoing daily physiotherapy while resuming meetings with senior Vatican officials and attending to various documents and texts in his agenda.
