Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital After Recovery

In a positive development for the Catholic community, Pope Francis is scheduled to leave the hospital on Sunday following a significant recovery from a severe illness. The 88-year-old pontiff will return to the Vatican after spending over five weeks at the Gemelli Hospital, where he was treated for a complex infection that included a bilateral pneumonia.

Medical professionals overseeing the Pope's care have confirmed that his health has shown considerable improvement, allowing him to transition back to his residence in the Vatican. Although he is no longer suffering from pneumonia, the Pope is still in the process of recovering from the multifaceted infection, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led the medical team treating him.

To ensure a smooth recovery, the Pope has been advised to take a two-month period of rest at the Vatican before resuming his usual schedule. During this time, he will continue to receive medical support, including supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube, as well as ongoing respiratory and physical therapy.

The requirement for non-invasive mechanical ventilation that he utilized while battling acute respiratory distress has been lifted, marking a significant step in his recovery. Nevertheless, the Pope never required intubation, as stated by his medical team.

Prior to his release, Pope Francis plans to make a public appearance, where he is expected to address the faithful and offer a blessing following the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer from the hospital window. This announcement has generated excitement among supporters who have been eagerly awaiting news of the Pope's health.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to serious bronchitis. Initially hesitant to seek medical attention, his condition escalated, leading to a complicated pneumonia that put his life at risk. He experienced several episodes of acute respiratory distress during his stay.

The announcement of his impending discharge has been met with surprise, particularly given the limited updates released by the Vatican during his hospitalization. The Pope had only been seen in one photograph taken from behind as he prayed at an altar in the hospital's chapel. He also shared a recorded message that was played to the congregation gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The Vatican has expressed optimism about the Pope's health, noting that he has been looking forward to returning to the Vatican for some time. His medical team has emphasized the rapid pace of his recovery, suggesting that if the positive trend continues, he may be able to conclude his rest period sooner than anticipated.

Plans for future engagements are still being assessed, including an upcoming meeting with British King Charles, scheduled for early April. Additionally, a potential trip to Turkey in May remains in question, along with his ability to participate in the significant Easter celebrations, which are particularly important in 2025, as it is deemed a Holy Year for the Catholic Church.