Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After Serious Illness – BBC Reports
Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, appeared at the window of a hospital in Rome before being discharged on Sunday, according to BBC. This was the first time he had been seen in public since he was admitted on February 14 due to serious health issues. Doctors say the Pope will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican before fully recovering.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope’s doctors, told BBC that during the past five weeks, Pope Francis went through two very critical health episodes where his life was at risk. However, he was never put on a breathing machine and remained alert the entire time. BBC reports that although he is not fully healed yet, the Pope no longer has pneumonia and is now in a stable condition.
On Sunday, Pope Francis gave a blessing from the window of Gemelli Hospital in Rome before heading back to the Vatican. BBC states that this was a significant moment, as it was the first time he had spoken publicly since being hospitalized.
Doctors told BBC that people with double pneumonia, especially older patients, often lose their voice temporarily. They explained that it will take time for Pope Francis to regain his full voice. BBC also quoted Cardinal Victor Fernandez, who said that high-flow oxygen treatment had dried out the Pope’s throat, and he now needs to “relearn how to speak.”
Despite his health struggles, the Vatican confirmed to BBC that Pope Francis is improving. He no longer needs a machine to help him breathe at night and now only uses a small oxygen tube under his nose during the day.
Before Sunday, the Pope had only been seen in a photo released by the Vatican, which showed him praying in a hospital chapel, BBC reported. Earlier this month, an audio message of the Pope speaking in Spanish was played in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. In the recording, he sounded breathless but thanked Catholics around the world for their prayers.
Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, and BBC notes that he has faced many health issues throughout his life. He had part of a lung removed at age 21, which makes him more vulnerable to lung infections.
Doctors told BBC that the Pope could soon return to his work at the Vatican with his health improving. However, full recovery will take time, and he will need to be careful with his health moving forward.
Credit: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crrdv84rg4do