**After weeks of hospitalization, Pope Francis is discharged, receiving blessings and well-wishes from supporters eager for his return.**
**Pope Francis Leaves Hospital, Receives Warm Welcome from Supporters**
**Pope Francis Leaves Hospital, Receives Warm Welcome from Supporters**
**The Pope's Recovery Journey Sparks Emotions as He Returns to Vatican**
Pope Francis made a heartfelt appearance at Gemelli hospital in Rome, blessing enthusiastic crowds before his discharge. The 88-year-old pontiff had been hospitalized since February 14, experiencing two critical health episodes where his life was reportedly at risk, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri. Fortunately, although he is not fully healed, he no longer suffers from pneumonia and is expected to spend at least two months recuperating at the Vatican.
Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his joy over the Pope's recovery, saying it was a "great gift to the city and to the world." Emotions surged as crowds gathered outside the hospital, hopeful for a glimpse of the Pope. "I was relieved and overjoyed to see him," commented Bishop Larry Kulick from Pennsylvania. “The love we felt here was like heaven," said local singer Ilaria Della Bidia. Brazilian visitor Ana Matos echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as breathtaking, akin to the joy of welcoming her newborn.
This was only the second time the Pope had been seen publicly since his hospitalization, with the last appearance being a photograph shared by the Vatican. Earlier in the month, an audio recording of a breathless Pope thanking followers for their prayers was played in St. Peter's Square, highlighting the love and support surrounding him.
Pope Francis, who has been leading the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has faced various health challenges throughout his life, including lung surgery at age 21 that has made him susceptible to infections. Celebrations of his recovery were met with widespread prayers and well-wishes from the Catholic community worldwide.
Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his joy over the Pope's recovery, saying it was a "great gift to the city and to the world." Emotions surged as crowds gathered outside the hospital, hopeful for a glimpse of the Pope. "I was relieved and overjoyed to see him," commented Bishop Larry Kulick from Pennsylvania. “The love we felt here was like heaven," said local singer Ilaria Della Bidia. Brazilian visitor Ana Matos echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as breathtaking, akin to the joy of welcoming her newborn.
This was only the second time the Pope had been seen publicly since his hospitalization, with the last appearance being a photograph shared by the Vatican. Earlier in the month, an audio recording of a breathless Pope thanking followers for their prayers was played in St. Peter's Square, highlighting the love and support surrounding him.
Pope Francis, who has been leading the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has faced various health challenges throughout his life, including lung surgery at age 21 that has made him susceptible to infections. Celebrations of his recovery were met with widespread prayers and well-wishes from the Catholic community worldwide.
