Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pope Francis makes public appearance in Rome as he is discharged

Pope Francis made a public appearance in Rome ahead of his discharge from hospital
Pope Francis made a public appearance in Rome ahead of his discharge from hospital (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
  • Pope Francis made his first public appearance since hospitalisation, addressing a crowd from his hospital window before being discharged.
  • The 88-year-old pontiff, who recently recovered from severe pneumonia, expressed gratitude to well-wishers.
  • He is expected to have at least two months of rest and rehabilitation at the Vatican.
  • Doctors advised against strenuous activity and large gatherings for a period, but anticipate a full recovery.
  • This marked his longest hospitalisation during his 12-year papacy.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in