After more than five weeks in the hospital battling a severe respiratory illness, Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican—but the road to recovery is far from over.
The 87-year-old pontiff, looking frail but grateful, appeared on a hospital balcony in his wheelchair to wave at the hundreds gathered below. “Thank you, everyone,” he said softly, his voice still weak. Despite his exhaustion, he even shared a moment of warmth, spotting a woman holding yellow flowers and offering a small smile.
Pilgrims and clergy alike cheered his return, with Bishop Larry James Kulick calling it “a moment of joy.” The pope left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital shortly after, still requiring oxygen support via a nasal cannula.
While Francis is back home, his doctors have warned that his recovery will take months. The Vatican has not confirmed how much he will participate in upcoming Easter celebrations, a major concern for the Catholic world.
With his health in question, speculation over a possible resignation has resurfaced. But Vatican officials insist he has no plans to step down. The question remains: Can Pope Francis continue leading with his characteristic energy, or will his illness force him to reconsider?
