Pope Francis appeared in public for the first time in over a month on Saturday, waving from the window of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted on Friday, February 14, 2025, due to a severe lung infection, is set to be discharged on Sunday, March 23, 2025, doctors confirmed.
During his five-week hospital stay, Pope Francis experienced two life-threatening episodes, according to Dr Sergio Alfieri, one of his lead physicians.
However, he was never intubated and remained alert throughout treatment. While not fully recovered, doctors say his condition has stabilised, and he is no longer suffering from pneumonia.
Dr Sergio Alfieri Statement
“Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be at home,” Dr Alfieri told reporters. Upon returning to the Vatican, the Pope will need at least two months of rest before resuming his full schedule.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, he is expected to offer a blessing from his hospital window before departing for his residence.
Doctors noted that his voice remains weak due to the effects of high-flow oxygen therapy, which has dried out his throat.
“Especially in the elderly, it will take time for the voice to return to normal,” Dr Alfieri said.
Despite ongoing health challenges, the Vatican reported that his breathing and mobility had improved, and he no longer required mechanical ventilation at night.
Since his hospitalisation, the Pope has made only one other public appearance in a Vatican-released photograph showing him praying in a hospital chapel.
Earlier this month, his voice was heard in an audio message played in St Peter’s Square, where he thanked the faithful for their prayers.
Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has faced multiple health challenges throughout his life. Having had part of a lung removed at age 21, he remains particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections.
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