The Vatican reports Pope Francis will be released from the hospital this Sunday, enabling a recovery period of two months to regain his strength and voice after weeks battling pneumonia.
Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital After Extended Treatment for Pneumonia
Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital After Extended Treatment for Pneumonia
Doctors confirm Pope's discharge as he approaches recovery from serious health issue
Pope Francis is expected to leave Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday after being treated for double pneumonia for over five weeks. Medical staff have indicated that the 88-year-old pontiff is on the mend, though he will require at least two months of rest at the Vatican post-discharge. The Pope had been publicly visible only once since his hospitalization on February 14; a photograph released by the Vatican showcased him praying in a hospital chapel.
Although his condition has improved—indicative of better breathing and mobility—the Vatican announced that he may need to "relearn to speak" due to the extended use of high-flow oxygen therapy, which can dry out the throat. Cardinal Victor Fernandez noted that while the Pope's overall health remains stable and has reverted to previous levels, his speech may be affected by the treatment he received. Currently, Pope Francis is using oxygen through a small nasal tube instead of mechanical ventilation, marking progress in his recovery.
Recent communications from the Pope have included an audio message in Spanish played in St Peter's Square, in which he thanked the faithful for their prayers—his voice audible but breathless. Cardinal Fernandez has addressed rumors of the Pope potentially resigning, clarifying that the pontiff has no intentions of stepping down, akin to Benedict XVI’s earlier resignation. With Easter approaching on April 20, the Cardinal could not confirm if the Pope would be fit to participate in the celebrations. Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, has faced various health challenges throughout his life.
Although his condition has improved—indicative of better breathing and mobility—the Vatican announced that he may need to "relearn to speak" due to the extended use of high-flow oxygen therapy, which can dry out the throat. Cardinal Victor Fernandez noted that while the Pope's overall health remains stable and has reverted to previous levels, his speech may be affected by the treatment he received. Currently, Pope Francis is using oxygen through a small nasal tube instead of mechanical ventilation, marking progress in his recovery.
Recent communications from the Pope have included an audio message in Spanish played in St Peter's Square, in which he thanked the faithful for their prayers—his voice audible but breathless. Cardinal Fernandez has addressed rumors of the Pope potentially resigning, clarifying that the pontiff has no intentions of stepping down, akin to Benedict XVI’s earlier resignation. With Easter approaching on April 20, the Cardinal could not confirm if the Pope would be fit to participate in the celebrations. Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, has faced various health challenges throughout his life.
