Pope Francis is set to be released from the hospital on Sunday after spending over five weeks there. A press conference held last Saturday by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the medical director of Gemelli hospital in Rome, stated that even though Francis is still recovering, he may need two months of rest following a serious case of pneumonia in both lungs.

Reports have revealed that the 88-year-old pope is not completely healed and that a full recovery will need an extended period of time. Prior to this, the Vatican had announced that Francis would make an appearance in public for the first time since being admitted to the hospital on February 14th, when he experienced breathing difficulties.

Since being hospitalized, Francis, who serves as the head of the Catholic Church, has been battling double pneumonia, at one point being in a life-threatening condition, which necessitated evolving treatment. The Vatican reported earlier in the week that the pope’s clinical condition was improving and that he no longer required an oxygen mask.

Francis hadn’t missed the Angelus prayers since he assumed his role in March 2013, until his hospitalization. His upcoming public appearance would mark his first sighting by the public since being admitted. There is uncertainty over whether Francis will address the crowd from his hospital room window or a balcony, but it has been confirmed that he will not lead the Angelus prayer himself.

This hospitalization, which is the longest during Francis’ papacy, has raised concerns over who will lead religious events leading up to Easter. The Vatican has stated that no decision has been made yet. Similarly, there is speculation that Francis might step down due to his frailty, following the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, denied this possibility.

At present, it has yet to be confirmed when the pope will be discharged from the hospital. However, plans for a meeting with Britain’s King Charles on April 8th suggest that Francis may be back at his Vatican residence by then.

Francis’ health condition is made more precarious due to his history of lung infections, having suffered from pleurisy as a young adult and having had part of one lung removed. This recent hospitalization marks the most serious health crisis during his 12-year papacy and his longest absence from public view since his election.

Catholics from around the world have been praying for Francis’ speedy recovery, while many followers and well-wishers have left flowers, candles, and notes at the hospital in support of the second-oldest pope in history.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/pope-francis-to-be-discharged-after-five-weeks-in-hospital/a-72007097?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf