Pope Francis' Recovery Journey:
Steady Progress and a Spirit of Healing
After spending 37 days at Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis has now been back at the Vatican for a full week—and according to his doctors, he’s on the right path to recovery. On Saturday, March 29, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the surgeon who treated him, described the Pope’s condition as showing “a truly surprising improvement,” even calling him “very lively.” During a routine medical visit on March 26, Dr. Alfieri remarked, “If he doesn’t return to 100%, he’ll definitely reach 90% of what he was before.”
The Pope’s voice continues to recover steadily, and he is now less dependent on supplemental oxygen—mainly using high-flow nasal cannulas at night when needed. His limited arm mobility, which was noticeable during his public appearance on March 23, is due to a pre-existing injury and not related to his hospitalization. Dr. Alfieri will continue weekly medical visits to monitor the Pope’s health.
In the most recent update from the Holy See Press Office, released on Tuesday, April 1, Pope Francis' condition remains stable. Blood tests show normal results, and a recent chest X-ray indicates improvement in his pulmonary infection. Therapies continue, focusing on motor function, breathing, and voice rehabilitation. He remains active in spirit and work: sitting at his desk, concelebrating daily Mass in the chapel at Casa Santa Marta, and engaging with his closest collaborators.
Despite the recovery, the Pope has been placed under a two-month period of rest and convalescence, meaning he will not be attending public events. The Office for Liturgical Celebrations confirmed that he will not preside over the Jubilee for the Sick on April 5–6; instead, Monsignor Rino Fisichella will lead in his place.
Still, the Pope’s sense of humor and pastoral presence shine through. When Dr. Alfieri told him he had the mind of a 50- or 60-year-old, Pope Francis quipped, “Not 50—40!”
In his Sunday message on March 30, Pope Francis offered a personal reflection:
“Let us live this Lent, especially during the Jubilee, as a time of healing. I am also experiencing it this way, in soul and body. Frailty and illness unite us—but more importantly, we are united in the salvation Christ has given us.”
As for Holy Week services and the Sunday Angelus, the Vatican has yet to confirm the Pope’s involvement. His homily for Mass on April 6 will be prepared by him but read aloud by Monsignor Fisichella.
One thing is clear: while the Pope is physically healing, his spirit remains strong—ever determined to lead, even from a place of rest.