Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for more than a month due to a respiratory infection, will be discharged on Sunday, according to the head of his medical team.
Francis’ doctors said he will be released from Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday, but he will need two months of rest and should avoid large groups or exerting himself.
“The recommendation for a convalescence period of at least two months is very important,” Sergio Alfieri, head of the pope’s medical team, said at a press conference.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis on February 14, and his condition worsened to include double pneumonia, making him critically ill.
During his stay, he experienced a “respiratory crisis,” according to the Vatican. While he has not been seen in public since, the Vatican has provided frequent updates on his health and activities, stating on numerous occasions that he was alert, working, and praying.
Earlier Saturday, the Vatican announced that Francis will appear on Sunday to greet and bless the public.
While Francis was at Gemelli, supporters gathered outside the hospital to place candles and flowers at Pope John Paul II’s statue.
Francis has had several bouts of illness and visits to Gemelli Hospital in recent years, including flu-like symptoms last year, bronchitis in March 2023, and abdominal surgery to repair a hernia in June 2023, which kept him in the hospital for nine days.
He also suffered two falls in December and January, according to the Vatican. As a young man, the pope had a portion of his lung removed in his native Argentina.
On February 6, he was diagnosed with bronchitis for the first time this year.
