Pope Francis thanks hospital staff for care during his 38-day stay

Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the healthcare workers and medical staff who looked after him during his 38-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for respiratory infections. In a meeting held on April 16 behind the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall, about 70 individuals were present including leaders and staff from Gemelli hospital, the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and the Vatican’s health department.

“Thank you, thank you above all for what you did,” said Pope Francis, as he addressed the assembled group. He specifically acknowledged Elena Beccalli, the rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, by saying, “When women are in charge, things go (forward),” a remark he made jocularly.

During the meeting, Daniele Franco, president of the board of directors of the Gemelli Foundation, extended greetings, Easter wishes, and support for the pope’s recovery. In return, the pope expressed, “I pray for you; please, do so for me, thank you. And thank you for your service in the hospital, very good, keep it up.”

This was Pope Francis's first public meeting since his hospitalization discharge. The Vatican released an edited video of the meeting; however, it did not display the pope individually greeting or shaking hands with those in attendance. Pope Francis is currently in a two-month convalescence period recommended by his doctors, which includes avoiding large gatherings to reduce the risk of infections.

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