Following a 38-day hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis has returned to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, where he is actively participating in both spiritual and physical rehabilitation activities. The Holy See Press Office reported on Tuesday that the Pontiff is undergoing continued treatment, engaging in mobility and respiratory physiotherapy—particularly aimed at voice recovery—and concelebrating Mass within the chapel of his residence.
The Pope's convalescence plan includes ongoing pharmacological treatment administered orally and comprehensive physiotherapy to enhance mobility and respiratory function. Medical professionals have advised him to refrain from individual or group meetings during this period. To ensure his well-being, a dedicated medical team from the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City is providing 24-hour assistance, which encompasses oxygen therapy as needed.
Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis continues to fulfill certain work responsibilities. For instance, the Holy See Press Office announced recent appointments, including Archbishop Ignazio Ceffalia as Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus and Monsignor Francesco Ibba as Defender of the Bond at the Roman Rota Tribunal. However, the Pope is currently not receiving visitors, and decisions regarding his upcoming schedule remain pending, contingent upon his recovery progress in the coming weeks.
The General Audience scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, will not take place. Instead, the prepared text of the Pope’s catechesis will be distributed in written form, continuing the practice established since February 14. Similarly, plans for the Angelus on Sunday are under consideration, with expectations leaning towards a written message being released by the Holy See Press Office, as has been customary in recent weeks.
Reflecting on his recent health ordeal, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope's attending physicians, revealed that Pope Francis faced critical moments during his hospitalization, particularly on February 28, when his condition deteriorated due to a bronchospasm crisis. The medical team confronted a pivotal decision on whether to continue aggressive treatment or allow the Pontiff to pass peacefully. Ultimately, they chose to persist with comprehensive therapies, a decision that was fully supported by Pope Francis himself, who insisted on being informed about his condition and desired transparency regarding his health status.
As the Holy Father continues his recovery, the global Catholic community remains united in prayer for his health and well-being, anticipating his full return to public ministry in due course.