The pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia for over five weeks, will be discharged from the hospital but will require an additional two months of rest at the Vatican, according to his medical team.
Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, marking the most significant health challenge of his 12-year papacy. Though he will return to the Vatican, his doctors indicated that it will take considerable time for him to fully recover.
They have advised a two-month period of repose and recommended that he avoid meetings with large groups or any engagements that require significant effort. "The recommendation for a period of convalescence of at least two months is very important," noted Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team, at a press conference.
While Francis was treated for double pneumonia, he experienced four acute "respiratory crises" during his hospital stay, two of which were critical enough to jeopardize his life. The pontiff has since overcome pneumonia but is not completely healed from a "complex" infection involving multiple microorganisms.
Alfieri clarified that Francis used non-invasive ventilation to assist with breathing, but he was never intubated during his hospital stay. One senior cardinal mentioned that the pope would need time to recover after such an extensive battle with a respiratory infection. "It will take time before his voice returns to what it was before," Alfieri remarked.
The doctor also noted that the pope, who had gained weight in recent years due to knee and back pain requiring a wheelchair, has lost some weight during his hospitalization. "We haven't weighed him, but he has lost weight, surely," Alfieri explained, adding that his prior weight provided some cushion for concern.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, the vice director of the Vatican's healthcare service, stated that a nurse would be available to care for the pope once he returns to his residence.
The Vatican announced that Francis would make his first public appearance in over five weeks to offer a blessing from the window of his hospital room before being discharged. He had only been seen publicly once during his stay, during a brief release last week showing him in prayer in a hospital chapel.
On Sunday, he intends to greet the public from the hospital window around noon. A two-month rest period for Francis may significantly alter the Vatican's calendar of upcoming events, including meetings with Britain's King Charles and leading the annual Easter celebrations on April 20. The Vatican will determine the status of these appointments at a later date.