Pope Francis leaves hospital, makes first public greeting and blessing after recovery
…Visits Basilica of Saint Mary Major with flowers of gratitude
Pope Francis appears for the first time since his hospitalization from the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, before leaving the facility where he had been since 14 February. He greeted those present, imparted his blessing and gave the ‘thumbs up’ to the nearly three thousand people gathered in the square below who were applauding his appearance and release from hospital.
He said just a few words from a small balcony just above the crowds gathered below. With effort, his hands resting on his knees, he then lifted them to bless the crowds, followed by waving and smiling to those below who were shouting, “Francesco, Francesco!”, “We love you!”, “We’re here for you!”
“Thank you to everyone!” the Pope said with a faint voice. A greeting had been planned, but the Pope wished to greet them more with his presence then with his voice still affected by the respiratory therapies he has been undergoing. His gaze moved from one side of the square to the other, when he noticed an Italian lady holding a bouquet of yellow flowers to celebrate the occasion. The Pope remarked that he could see her with the yellow flowers and he waved to her in gratitude.
Soon after leaving the balcony following his brief greeting, the crowd moved towards the entrance of the hospital to catch a glimpse of the Pope as he departed in his usual white Fiat 500L. More greetings and cheers accompanied his departure.
He then headed to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major where he met with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Coadjutor Archpriest of the Papal Basilica, giving him flowers to be placed before the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romanias a sign of his gratitude for her care and protection.
Before appearing on the hospital balcony, Pope Francis also greeted and thanked the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli doctors, staff and leadership.
