Pope Francis to Leave Hospital After Double Pneumonia Treatment

Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after spending over five weeks receiving treatment for double pneumonia.

Photo by Franco Origlia / Getty images

The 88-year-old pontiff, who faced life-threatening complications during his stay, will return to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, to begin a prescribed two-month period of rest and recovery.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team overseeing the Pope’s care, revealed that Francis experienced "two very critical episodes" during his hospitalization that endangered his life.

Despite these challenges, the pontiff's condition has stabilized, and his pneumonia has been successfully treated. However, he will continue medication and supplemental oxygen therapy as part of his recovery.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will make his first public appearance in weeks on Sunday, delivering a blessing from the hospital window before departing for the Vatican.

This marks a significant moment for the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, who has been absent from public view since February 14.

Doctors emphasized the importance of convalescence, advising against meetings with large groups or activities requiring significant effort during the recovery period.

Dr. Alfieri noted that double pneumonia often strains the lungs and vocal cords, which may temporarily affect the Pope’s voice.

This hospitalization represents the most serious health crisis of Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy and his longest absence from public duties since being elected in 2013.

Despite these setbacks, he has continued to engage with Church reforms remotely and remains committed to his leadership role.