Pope Francis, 88, will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, after more than five weeks of treatment for pneumonia and a serious respiratory infection, the Vatican announced.
According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the pope’s medical team, Francis endured four respiratory crises during his stay, two of which were life-threatening. Although his pneumonia has cleared, the pope is still recovering from a complex infection involving multiple microorganisms.
Doctors have recommended at least two months of rest at the Vatican, advising him to avoid large gatherings and physically demanding activities.
“The recommendation for a period of convalescence of at least two months is very important,” Alfieri said, noting that Francis was never intubated but required non-invasive ventilation and has now lost weight, though not at a concerning level.
Francis is expected to make a brief public appearance on Sunday, offering a blessing from the hospital window—his first since being admitted on February 14.
The extended recovery period may affect major upcoming engagements, including a meeting with King Charles III on April 8 and the Easter celebrations on April 20. The Vatican has yet to confirm any changes to the official calendar.
Upon his return, Francis will be under the care of a nurse at his Vatican residence, according to Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice director of the Vatican’s healthcare service.
