Pope Francis is set to be released from the hospital tomorrow after being treated for double pneumonia over the past five weeks. The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 for a severe respiratory infection. The Vatican previously announced that he would be offering a blessing from his hospital room window on Sunday. A photo released by the Vatican last week showed Pope Francis celebrating Sunday mass in a hospital chapel.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis wanted to greet and bless the public from the hospital window at noon on Sunday. One senior cardinal mentioned that the Pope may take time to relearn how to speak after using oxygen during his hospital stay, but his overall physical condition has improved.

The Pope usually offers a weekly prayer from St Peter’s Square on Sundays, but he has not been able to do so since February 9. Doctors at the facility confirmed that he is no longer in a critical condition, having been admitted with bronchitis and diagnosed with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection. This marks the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy and the longest he has been out of the public eye since his election in 2013. The Vatican has provided cautiously optimistic updates about his medical condition, stating that Francis has been reducing his use of high-flow oxygen.

There are plans for Prince Charles and Camilla to meet the Pope on a state visit on April 8 despite his recent illness.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/pope-francis-due-to-appear-in-public-for-first-time-in-five-weeks-13333785