p>Pope Francis prays during his Wednesday general audience on Feb. 5, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis appears for the first time since his hospitalisation from the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, before leaving the facility where he had been since 14 February. He greeted those present, imparted his blessing and gave the ‘thumbs up’ to the nearly three thousand people gathered in the square below who were applauding his appearance and release from hospital.

Pope Francis waves from a balcony at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday, March 23, 2025, following weeks of hospitalisation for bilateral pneumonia. | Credit: …

Pope Francis is scheduled to be discharged from hospital on Sunday, 23 March. He will return to Casa Santa Marta after the Angelus, during which he will greet and bless the faithful from a window of the Gemelli Hospital at noon.

While the Pope’s condition continues to be stable, the Holy See Press Office explains “the doctors have not yet given any indication regarding his discharge from the hospital.”

The Holy See Press Office announces that Pope Francis no longer requires mechanical ventilation at night, and has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy during the day. His motor and respiratory physiotherapy is also making progress.

The Holy See Press Office reports on the Pope’s health condition, noting slight improvements in his respiratory and motor functions.

Pope Francis is using high-flow oxygen therapy less frequently. The swelling in his hand, seen in the photo taken and published yesterday, has already improved.

The Holy See Press Office releases a photo of Pope Francis in prayer after having concelebrated the Eucharist on Sunday morning. This is the first photo since his hospitalization on 14 February. Pope Francis’ medical condition remains stable and his respiratory therapy and physiotherapy continue.

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis expresses his closeness to the families who lost their loved ones, mostly young people, in a fire that broke out in the city of Kocani, North Macedonia.

In his Angelus reflection, Pope Francis contemplates the period of trial he is experiencing, and highlights the “shining signs of hope” that illuminate hospitals and places of care.

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Pope Francis continues high-flow oxygen therapy, progressively reducing the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the night. The Pope still requires hospital medical care, as well as physiotherapy and respiratory physiotherapy.

Given the Holy Father’s stable condition, doctors have not issued a medical bulletin on Friday evening. Noting that this is a “a positive sign” the Holy See Press Office informs us that medical updates will be less frequent.

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Pope Francis had a quiet night as the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia enter their last day, according to the Holy See Press Office.