Pope Francis returns to Vatican, but remains out of public view

After spending 38 days in hospital battling double pneumonia, Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since February 14 and returned to the Vatican.

However, doctors have advised the 88-year-old pontiff to rest for another two months to fully recover, raising questions about how frequently he will be seen in public over the coming weeks.

The pope left Rome's Gemelli hospital and returned to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta (St. Martha's House) within the Vatican, a facility that has served as his home since his election in 2013. While the building, primarily a residence for Vatican priests, remains generally closed to the public, the pope resides on the second floor in a series of rooms.

During his recovery, the pope will be supported by a 24-hour nurse and will continue to receive supplemental oxygen if necessary. A new adjustable bed with electronic controls has been added to assist him, especially as he has used a wheelchair in recent years. Despite these adjustments, no special care arrangements have been made to accommodate him in Santa Marta.

While it is unclear how strictly the pope will adhere to his doctors' orders for rest, he has a history of pushing through illness, even continuing his duties from the hospital. In the past, he has maintained public appearances through video links when particularly unwell. However, with two months of recovery ahead, it is uncertain whether he will keep upcoming appointments, including a meeting with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and leading the Vatican’s annual Easter celebrations on April 20.

Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas, has made his residence at Casa Santa Marta a matter of personal preference, stating that he enjoys being around people. "I'm happy at Santa Marta because I have people around me," he has written, adding that he will stay there "so long as God wishes."

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