Pope Francis, appearing frail and using a wheelchair, greeted hundreds of people from the balcony of a Rome hospital on Sunday after a six-week absence. Despite his weakened state due to lung and respiratory muscle damage from pneumonia and other infections, the Pope was able to wave and speak to the crowd. People cheered “Francesco” and wished the Pope a long life as they waved flags. Doctors stated at a news conference that Francis’s pneumonia had been life-threatening twice but he received treatment and oxygen, leading to a slow improvement. As a result, the Pope did not give his traditional Sunday Angelus blessing over St. Peter’s Square. The Pope returned to Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence, and was advised by doctors to avoid unnecessary exertion, meetings with large crowds, and contact with small children. The Pope’s Vatican doctor said the residence was equipped to meet his medical needs and could provide emergency services. Francis entered the hospital on February 18 due to acute respiratory insufficiency and remained in critical condition for weeks with an asthmatic respiratory crisis, mild kidney failure, and a bronchial spasm. He needed high-flow oxygen therapy and noninvasive mechanical ventilation during his stay.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/europe/pope-francis-rome.html