Cliff Notes
- Pope Francis insisted on travelling in his Fiat Papal car rather than taking a helicopter, reflecting his desire to connect with the public after his hospital discharge.
- In an unexpected move, he made a detour to visit the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he presented yellow flowers from a devoted follower.
- Following his release, the Pope faces a two-month recovery period that may limit his public engagements, raising concerns regarding his future activities.
Pope Francis‘ discharge from the hospital where his life was twice in danger during a five-week stay marked an extraordinary day – even more than anyone expected.
Early this morning, senior officials told Sky News the Pope refused a helicopter ride back to the Vatican. He preferred, instead, to travel in his white Fiat Papal car among the people.
At least 3,000 people gathered outside the Gemelli hospital, which was placed under the highest security measures by police officers heavily deployed on the scene.
At midday in Rome, the Pope finally appeared on a balcony.
The faithful started clapping and chanting his name, while trying to jump on the fence behind our camera to get a better view.
The pontiff’s voice is still very ill – and due to his treatment and the low energy he has was supposed to offer maybe just a couple of words.
Flowers left each day
Instead, while on the terrace, he noticed among the huge crowd an elderly woman with a bouquet of yellow flowers.
“I see a woman with yellow flowers, brava,” Francis said, before going back inside.
This woman was noticed by Pope for her yellow flowers
The woman is Carmela Mancuso, from Calabria in southern Italy, and she has been at the hospital every day since the pontiff arrived on 14 February.
Each time, she left some flowers. Recently, she started leaving yellow flowers “symbolising the light and recalling life”.
Behind doors, an idea started to form in the Pope’s head. He asked his security to collect the flowers from the woman.