Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital on Sunday after spending over five weeks receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia, marking a significant turn in his health recovery.
Pope Francis, 88, will be discharged from Rome‘s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital on Sunday after spending over five weeks receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia.
According to the medical team, his life-threatening respiratory illness has been successfully treated, and he will require two months of rest and care at the Vatican.
Pope Francis has been open about his health struggles, including a lung condition and sciatica.
In 2019, he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis.
He has also suffered from knee problems and has used a cane for support.
Despite these issues, Pope Francis remains committed to his duties as the leader of the Catholic Church.
His health concerns have been closely monitored by the public, with many expressing concern for his well-being.
Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that caused pneumonia in both lungs.
During his hospitalization, he experienced two ‘very critical episodes’ where his life was in danger, according to Sergio Alfieri, the hospital’s head of medicine and surgery.
The pontiff underwent two bronchoscopies to try to remove mucus secretions in his lungs and received noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
In March 2021, Pope Francis was hospitalized due to a respiratory infection, later confirmed as bronchopneumonia.
The condition affects the lungs, causing inflammation and congestion.
According to Vatican officials, the Pope received medical treatment and antibiotics.
He made a full recovery after several days of hospitalization.
Pneumonia is a common illness that affects people worldwide, especially during flu season or in older adults with weakened immune systems.
In March 2021, Pope Francis underwent surgery to remove a 2.5 cm lung mass at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The procedure was deemed successful, but the Pope's health crisis began earlier that year with a bout of COVID-19.
In July 2021, he was hospitalized again for an unspecified condition, sparking concerns about his health.
Since then, the Pope has continued to lead Vatican affairs, albeit at a slower pace.
His health remains a subject of speculation, but official statements confirm he is receiving regular medical check-ups and treatment.
Alfieri stated that the bilateral pneumonia has been successfully treated, but time is needed for a complete recovery.
Francis will need two months of rest at the Vatican, during which he will continue to receive medical care.
The surgeon emphasized that the holy father was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout his hospitalization.
In his first public appearance since being hospitalized, Francis will give his blessing shortly after noon on Sunday to a crowd outside the hospital.
Earlier Saturday, the pope sent a message to pilgrims in Rome for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, thanking them for their prayers and asking them to continue sending messages of support.
