After a remarkable 38 days, Pope Francis bids farewell to Gemelli Hospital.
By Andrea Tornielli
It has been 38 days since February 14 when Pope Francis departed from the Vatican for the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. These past weeks have been a test of strength for the 88-year-old patient battling bilateral pneumonia. The medical reports did not sugarcoat the seriousness of his condition, the crises he faced, and the complexity of his clinical situation.
Yet, throughout this challenging period, he was enveloped in a deluge of prayers for his recovery: personal prayers, prayers from communities, rosaries, and Eucharistic celebrations. These prayers came not only from Catholics and Christians but also from individuals of various faiths and those with no religious affiliation, all sending him positive thoughts and well-wishes. It was for all these prayerful individuals that today’s brief farewell and blessing were intended.
During the long days of suffering, we stood in solidarity with the Bishop of Rome in spirit. We waited, prayed, and felt moved when, on March 6, Pope Francis, in his weak voice, addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and worldwide, expressing gratitude for their prayers. Our hearts were comforted on the evening of Sunday, March 16, when we caught a glimpse of him again—albeit from behind—engaged in prayer after celebrating Mass in the hospital’s chapel on the tenth floor.
After weeks of concern but also of trust and acceptance of the divine will that grants us life and may call us back at any moment, today, we have seen him once more. On his return to the Vatican, we received his blessing anew. From his hospital chamber, Pope Francis has reminded us that every moment of life is precious and can be taken away at any time. He has shown us that suffering and vulnerability can serve as opportunities for spreading the Gospel, a testimony to a God who became human, suffered alongside us, and embraced death on the cross.
We express our gratitude to him for sharing that, from his hospital bed, the absurdity of war appeared even more pronounced; for emphasizing the need to disarm the world instead of arming it with more lethal weapons; and for praying and offering his suffering for the fragile cause of peace in the world today.
Welcome back, Holy Father!
