THANKS DOCTORS FOR “TIRELESS CARE”
Pope Francis, pope since 2013, was first admitted to hospital for a bout of bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, caused by what his doctors called a “complex” infection involving several microorganisms.
During his 38 days in hospital, the pope suffered four acute episodes of what the Vatican called “respiratory crises”, which involved serious coughing fits caused by constrictions in his airways, akin to asthma attacks.
Two of the crises were critical, putting Pope Francis “in danger of his life”, Sergio Alfieri, the head of the pope’s medical team, told a press conference on Saturday.
While Pope Francis no longer has pneumonia, he is also not completely healed, the doctor said. Alfieri said it would also take time for him to regain full use of his voice, after battling a respiratory infection for so long.
On Sunday, the Vatican released a brief text it said was prepared by Pope Francis, in which he thanked his doctors for their “tireless care”.
Many Catholics around the world had been praying for the pope’s recovery, and pilgrims at the Vatican on Sunday expressed relief at his leaving hospital.
“This discharge cheers us all up and gives us joy and hope,” said Grazia Mara, an Italian. “We wish him a safe return home and a speedy recovery.”
The pope had continued to lead the Church from hospital.
He was making usual appointments of Catholic bishops around the world and also launched a new three-year reform process for the global institution.
But a period of two months rest for Pope Francis could lead to significant changes to the Vatican’s calendar of coming events.
The pope had been set to meet with Britain’s King Charles on Apr 8 and to lead the Vatican’s annual Easter celebrations on Apr 20.
The Vatican has not said whether Pope Francis will be able to keep those appointments.
