Pope Francis has been discharged from the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery for colon diverticulitis. Upon leaving the hospital, the beloved pontiff made a lighthearted comment that relieved the tension in the air. “I’m still alive,” he said to the applauding crowd. In this article, we explore the events that led up to Pope Francis’ hospitalization, the surgery he underwent, and his recovery. We also delve into the Pope’s message of hope during a global pandemic and how his health scare has impacted the Catholic community.
Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being hospitalised earlier in the week for treatment of bronchitis. The 86-year-old, who had previously expressed difficulty breathing, was admitted on Wednesday and had been receiving medical treatment since. He was treated with antibiotics over the course of several days before being released. He was in good spirits upon his discharge and even joked to reporters, “I wasn’t frightened, I’m still alive.”
During his stay at the hospital, Pope Francis took time to visit patients and lift their spirits. He reportedly baptised a baby and handed out Easter eggs, rosaries, and copies of an Italian children’s book about Jesus. Upon leaving the hospital, the pontiff took time to embrace a couple whose daughter had died at the hospital on the previous evening. He also signed a boy’s cast before being driven away in a white Fiat 500.
The Vatican reported that Pope Francis will be present at St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday to mark the start of Holy Week. The pope, who had part of his lung removed during his youth, had expressed difficulty breathing before being admitted to the hospital. Test results showed a respiratory infection requiring medical therapy, for which the pope was treated with intravenous antibiotics.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has been hospitalised. In 2021, he spent 10 days at the Gemelli Hospital for surgery to remove a portion of his colon. He has also been using a cane to walk more after injuring his right knee, which doctors say is healing.
Despite these health concerns, Pope Francis remains a busy and active leader of the Catholic Church. He has been outspoken on issues such as climate change, income inequality, and social justice. He has also taken steps to address allegations of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Under his leadership, the Church has been more proactive in addressing these allegations, including removing priests accused of abuse and creating a commission to investigate such allegations.
As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis serves as a spiritual guide to millions of faithful around the world. His continued good health is of great importance to these individuals and to the Church as a whole. His scheduled appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday will be a welcome sign that he is on the road to recovery and able to continue his important work.
