Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday after spending over five weeks being treated for a severe respiratory infection and double pneumonia. The 88-year-old Pope had experienced two critical episodes during his hospital stay, but he never required intubation and remained alert throughout the treatment. While his recovery is ongoing, he is now stable and no longer has pneumonia.
His doctors mentioned that he will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican. He is expected to make a public appearance on Sunday from the hospital window to offer a blessing, marking his first public appearance since his hospitalization.
Though his health is improving, Pope Francis still faces challenges, particularly with his voice, as double pneumonia often impacts vocal cords, especially in elderly patients. He has been receiving oxygen through a small tube under his nose and has been using less high-flow oxygen.
Pope Francis has had health struggles in the past, including having part of a lung removed when he was 21, which makes him more vulnerable to infections. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to returning to work as soon as his health allows.