Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican following a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, his first public appearance since mid-February. However, the 88-year-old pontiff will remain largely out of public sight as doctors have prescribed two more months of rest.
The pope was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday and is now back at the Casa Santa Marta, his chosen residence since becoming pope in 2013. While Santa Marta is not open to the public, it serves as lodging for Vatican priests and cardinals, and houses the pope’s private quarters on the second floor.
Though no major modifications were made to the facility, Vatican officials confirmed that an adjustable bed was installed to assist the pope, who has mobility issues and occasionally uses a wheelchair. A nurse will be on duty 24/7, and Francis will continue receiving oxygen therapy when needed.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis has continued fulfilling some papal duties, including bishop appointments and launching Church reforms. However, it remains unclear whether he will resume his regular public appearances, such as Wednesday audiences and Sunday prayers, or keep upcoming engagements—including a meeting with King Charles on April 8 and the Easter celebrations on April 20.
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, chose to live in Santa Marta instead of the grand Apostolic Palace, preferring the community atmosphere. “I’m happy at Santa Marta because I have people around me,” he shared in his recent autobiography. “I’ll be there so long as God wishes.”