Pope Francis met with around 70 doctors and staff from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital at the Vatican on April 16, 2025, in a heartfelt encounter where he thanked them for their dedicated care during his recent critical illness. The meeting, held in the Apostolic Palace, marked one of Pope’s first public appearances since being discharged from the hospital nearly a month ago.

The 88-year-old Pope had been hospitalized for five weeks due to a severe case of double pneumonia that had brought him to the brink of death. The illness was the most serious health scare of his papacy to date. During his remarks, Pope Francis, speaking softly and still visibly recovering, expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism, compassion, and unwavering efforts of the medical staff who helped save his life.

According to reports, Pope’s condition during hospitalization had deteriorated to the point where doctors briefly considered ending treatment due to complications. However, led by Vatican nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, the team chose to continue with intensive care measures. Their persistence and expert medical interventions ultimately led to the Pope’s recovery.

Pope Francis was released from Gemelli Hospital on March 23, with doctors recommending at least two months of rest. Despite the advice, he has resumed limited public engagements. Vatican officials have reassigned key Holy Week and Easter liturgies to senior cardinals, allowing Pope to conserve his energy while continuing to recover.

Even while hospitalized, Pope Francis remained spiritually active. He concelebrated Mass in the hospital’s private chapel and participated in the annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises via video link with members of the Roman Curia. Pope also received an outpouring of support during his illness, with faithful from around the world sending letters, flowers, and messages of prayer.

Medical staff continue to monitor Pope’s health closely. While he has made significant progress, his schedule remains restricted, and future appearances will be evaluated based on his recovery.

The encounter with the Gemelli team served not only as a gesture of thanks but also as a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Vatican’s spiritual leader, who continues to guide the Catholic Church through both personal and global challenges.