Pope Francis returns to Vatican

Pope Francis (Pixabay file photo)

By ANSA, Philippine News Agency

ROME – Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after spending 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was treated for pneumonia—the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff now faces a two-month convalescence following the major scare, which twice left doctors fearing for his life.

The ordeal also sparked speculation about a possible resignation—rumors that Vatican aides have firmly denied.

Before heading back to his residence at Casa Santa Marta, the pope appeared at the window of his hospital room to greet the faithful for the traditional Sunday Angelus.

On his way home, he made a stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he laid a bouquet of flowers and offered prayers of gratitude to the Blessed Virgin for her intercession during his health battle.

In his Angelus address, Francis expressed deep appreciation for the medical staff who cared for him, likening their dedication to God’s own patience.

“During this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the care and hopes of the families of the sick,” the pontiff said in the text prepared for the Angelus.

“This trusting patience, anchored in the love of God that never fails, is truly necessary in our lives, especially to face the most difficult and painful situations,” the pope added.

The pope also thanked the faithful for their prayers and called for continued appeals for peace.

“With so much patience and perseverance you are continuing to pray for me: I thank you so much! I also pray for you”, he said.

“And together we implore an end to wars and peace, especially in the tormented Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo”, added the pontiff.

“May the Virgin Mary protect us and continue to accompany us on the journey towards Easter”, he concluded.

Francis expressed “pain” at the resumption of hostilities in Gaza and welcomed the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“I was saddened by the resumption of heavy Israeli bombings on the Gaza Strip, with many dead and wounded.

“I ask that the weapons be silenced immediately; and that we have the courage to resume dialogue, so that all the hostages may be freed and a definitive ceasefire may be reached,” he said.

“In the Strip, the humanitarian situation is once again very serious and requires the urgent commitment of the warring parties and the international community,” the pontiff added.

He went on: “I am pleased that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the final text of the Peace Agreement. I hope that it will be signed as soon as possible and thus contribute to establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus.” The faithful shouted “Francis, Francis” when they saw him appear at the hospital window.

Premier Giorgia Meloni issued a statement saying she was happy that the pope was returning to the Vatican.