Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital After Over a Month of Recovery

After more than five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia, Pope Francis is set to be released from Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday, according to his medical team. The 88-year-old pontiff has shown improvement but will need to take at least two months of rest at the Vatican following his discharge. His only public appearance since his hospitalization on February 14 was through a recent photograph issued by the Vatican, where he was seen praying in a chapel.

In a statement released on Friday by the Vatican, his health condition was described as stable, and he is no longer reliant on mechanical ventilation for night breathing. Instead, he is now using a small oxygen tube. Cardinal Victor Fernandez mentioned that Pope Francis may need to "relearn to speak" due to the effects of high-flow oxygen therapy, which has dried out his vocal cords. He confirmed that while the Pope’s overall health mirrors his previous state, there has been progress in his breathing and mobility.

Earlier in the month, an audio of Pope Francis expressing gratitude for the prayers from the Catholic community was played in St. Peter's Square, though his voice appeared labored. Cardinal Fernandez also addressed speculations regarding the Pope potentially resigning, dismissing remarks that suggested he would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. As Easter approaches on April 20, uncertainty remains about whether the Pope will be able to participate in the celebrations. Pope Francis has served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church for almost 12 years and has dealt with various health challenges throughout his life, including the removal of a lung at the age of 21.