Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for more than five weeks, will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday but will require an additional two months of rest at the Vatican, as stated by the head of his medical team.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection, marking the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. Although he will return to the Vatican, his doctors noted that it will take considerable time for his aging body to recover fully.
They emphasized the importance of a two-month period of repose, advising against any meetings with large groups or activities that require significant exertion. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the pope's medical team, highlighted this recommendation during a press conference.
While Francis has overcome double pneumonia, he is still dealing with a "complex" infection involving several microorganisms. Alfieri mentioned that the pope experienced four acute respiratory crises during his hospital stay, two of which were critical, placing his life in danger.
The pontiff utilized non-invasive ventilation through a mask for breathing support but was never intubated. A senior cardinal observed that it would take time for the pope's voice to return to its previous state.
Alfieri noted that the pope, who had gained some weight in recent years after relying on a wheelchair for knee and back pain, has lost a bit of weight during his hospitalization. However, he reassured that this weight loss does not pose a concern as the pope had some extra weight to draw from.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice director of the Vatican's healthcare service, confirmed that a nurse will care for the pope upon his return to his Vatican residence. The Vatican also announced that Francis will make his first public appearance in over five weeks on Sunday, offering a blessing from the window of his hospital room before his discharge. He has been seen publicly only once during his hospitalization, in a video released last week showing him praying in a hospital chapel.
The pope plans to greet and bless the public around noon on Sunday. His two-month recovery may necessitate adjustments to the Vatican's schedule, potentially affecting his upcoming meetings, including one with Britain’s King Charles and the annual Easter celebrations on April 20. A spokesperson indicated that the Vatican would address these appointments at a later date.