A grateful Pope Francis is released from the hospital

Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after a 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was treated for a life-threatening case of double pneumonia.

People from around the world – Catholics and non-Catholics – have been praying for the pope since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14. In the Archdiocese of Omaha, Archbishop George J. Lucas has encouraged prayers, especially after the Holy Father suffered several setbacks while in the hospital.

As Pope Francis was about to leave the hospital on Sunday, March 23, he addressed a crowd that had gathered there. From a balcony, he gave a thumbs up, smiled and waved, according to a report from Vatican News.

 

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Though his voice was faint because of multiple respiratory treatments, the pope said, “Thank you to everyone!”

From the hospital, Pope Francis was taken to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. There he met with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, coadjutor archpriest of the basilica, to give him flowers to be placed before the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani (Health or Salvation of the Roman People) in gratitude for her care and protection, according to Vatican News.

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