Pope Francis, 88, Will Need 2 Months of Rest at the Vatican as He’s Discharged from Hospital After 38 Days

Pope Francis has been discharged from the hospital.

Following 38 days in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome, the pope, 88, made his first public appearance on Sunday, March, 23. He appeared on the hospital’s balcony to address the gathered crowd before being driven back to the Vatican, per BBC News.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who coordinated Francis’ medical team, said he will require at least two months of rest, rehabilitation and convalescence, while also being advised to avoid meeting in groups, AP reported.

He was initially admitted for bronchitis and “diagnostic tests,” the Vatican shared in a Feb. 14 news release. While hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome, the pope developed double pneumonia and his condition worsened over the next several weeks, although there were a number days where the Vatican reported slight improvements.

An audio recording of the pope thanking people for their prayers was released on Thursday, March. 6. The Vatican did not offer many details, but said it was recorded from the hospital.

“I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square. I accompany you from here,” he said in a message recorded in Spanish, Francis’ native tongue. “May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

Although still hospitalized at the time, Thursday, March 13, marked a major milestone for Francis: the 12th anniversary of his papacy.

To celebrate, that afternoon a cake with candles was brought to his room, according to the Vatican.

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On Feb. 27, nearly two weeks after the pope was admitted, the Vatican shared that he “slept well” and that his condition appeared to improve. Although he remained on high-flow oxygen therapy, officials said he did not show any signs of asthma-like symptoms.

The update came a day after the Vatican said that the pope’s “mild kidney insufficiency” had subsided.

As his health continued to approve, Vatican officials advised that his clinical condition remained “complex.”

In days prior, Francis was being treated for double pneumonia and remained in “critical” but stable condition.

The pope’s bronchitis diagnosis came on Feb. 6., eight days before he was hospitalized.