Pope Francis is expected to be released from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday, following treatment for double pneumonia. After his discharge, he will require at least two months of rest at the Vatican. Since his admission to the hospital on February 14, he has only been seen once by the public, in a photograph released by the Vatican showing him praying in a hospital chapel. Although his condition has improved, a Vatican official mentioned that the Pope might need to relearn how to speak due to his prolonged use of high-flow oxygen therapy. The Pontiff’s overall physical condition is said to have returned to its pre-admission state. The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope is no longer dependent on mechanical ventilation for breathing at night and that the use of high-flow oxygen has decreased during the day. Earlier this month, an audio recording of Pope Francis speaking in Spanish was played in St Peter’s Square, thanking the faithful for their prayers. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, dismissed speculation about the Pope’s potential resignation and was uncertain about the possibility of his discharge before Easter on April 20. Pope Francis has been the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has had various health issues throughout his life, including the removal of part of one lung at age 21.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crrdv84rg4do