Vatican City: Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for more than five weeks, is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday but will require at least two months of rest at the Vatican, his medical team confirmed on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, marking one of the most serious health crises of his 12-year papacy. While his condition has improved enough for him to leave the hospital, doctors stress that full recovery will take considerable time.
Pope Francis, who was fighting double pneumonia, suffered four acute attacks of what the Vatican called "respiratory crises" during his time in hospital https://t.co/vzXO4MCKB4 pic.twitter.com/Zau3OyyPd4
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 23, 2025
Extended Recovery Period Advised
Although Francis will return to his residence in the Vatican, his doctors have prescribed an extended period of convalescence. They have advised him to avoid engagements that involve large gatherings or significant physical exertion.
“The recommendation for a period of convalescence of at least two months is very important,” said Sergio Alfieri, head of the pope’s medical team, during a press conference.
Francis suffered from double pneumonia, experiencing four acute respiratory crises during his hospital stay. Alfieri noted that two of these episodes were critical, posing a serious threat to his life. While the pope has now overcome pneumonia, he is still recovering from a complex infection involving multiple microorganisms.
Alfieri emphasized that Francis required non-invasive ventilation through a mask to assist his breathing but was never intubated. His recovery has been gradual, with ongoing medical supervision.
Voice Recovery and Weight Loss
A senior cardinal mentioned on Friday that Francis would need to “relearn to speak” following his prolonged struggle with the respiratory infection. Alfieri confirmed that regaining his full voice would take time.
Additionally, the doctor noted that Francis, who had gained some weight in recent years due to mobility challenges requiring a wheelchair for knee and back pain, has lost weight during his hospital stay.
“We haven’t weighed him, but he has lost weight, surely,” Alfieri said. “But, let’s say, he had some ‘in reserve,’ so it doesn’t worry us.”
Public Appearance Scheduled for Sunday
Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice director of the Vatican’s healthcare service, stated that a nurse will be assigned to care for Francis upon his return to the Vatican.
The Vatican announced earlier on Saturday that the pope intends to make his first public appearance in over five weeks by offering a blessing from the window of his hospital room before being discharged. During his hospital stay, the only public sighting of the pontiff was in a Vatican-released photograph showing him at prayer in the hospital chapel.
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The Vatican stated that Francis wishes to appear at the hospital window around noon on Sunday to deliver his greeting and blessing.
Potential Impact on Vatican Events
The prescribed two-month recovery period could significantly affect the Vatican’s scheduled events. Pope Francis had planned to meet with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and preside over the Vatican’s annual Easter celebrations on April 20.
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A Vatican spokesperson stated on Saturday that a decision regarding these engagements would be made at a later date.
