Additional Coverage:
Pope Francis to Be Discharged from Hospital
Rome—Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Gemelli hospital in Rome on Sunday after a five-week stay for a severe respiratory infection, according to his medical team. The 86-year-old pontiff, admitted on February 14th, battled double pneumonia and experienced two critical episodes where his life was at risk, Dr.
Sergio Alfieri revealed. Though never intubated and remaining alert throughout his treatment, the Pope’s illness significantly impacted his voice, a common side effect of double pneumonia, particularly in older patients.
While the Pope is not fully recovered, his pneumonia has resolved and he is now in stable condition. He will offer a blessing from his hospital window on Sunday before returning to the Vatican, marking his first public appearance since his hospitalization.
Doctors expect his voice to return to normal with time, and anticipate a resumption of his duties as soon as his health allows. The Vatican has noted improvements in the Pope’s breathing and mobility, confirming he is no longer using mechanical ventilation at night and requires less supplemental oxygen during the day.
Prior to his upcoming discharge, the Pope had only been seen once, in a photograph released by the Vatican last week. Earlier this month, a breathless audio recording of the Pope thanking followers for their prayers was played in St.
Peter’s Square.