Head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, Pope Francis, has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a five-week stay due to severe pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff is set to return to his residence in the Vatican on Sunday, 23 March, where he will continue his recovery under medical supervision. His doctors have prescribed a two-month period of rest and rehabilitation, during which he is expected to avoid any strenuous activities. This recovery phase may affect his participation in upcoming engagements, including official meetings and Easter services.
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Before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis is set to make his first public appearance since his hospitalisation, offering blessings to the faithful who had gathered outside to catch a glimpse of him.
Earlier, the Holy See Press Office provided an update on his condition, confirming progress in his respiratory health.
At night, he no longer uses mechanical ventilation with a mask but receives high-flow oxygenation through nasal cannulas, and during the day, he increasingly uses less high-flow oxygen.
Despite his ongoing recovery, the Vatican has confirmed that the Pope will attend the upcoming Angelus prayer service, marking his return after missing it five times during his hospitalisation.
The Vatican had earlier released an image of Pope Francis in deep prayer at the hospital’s private chapel, his first since 14 February. His return to the Vatican is seen as a positive step towards full recuperation, with the global Catholic community continuing to offer prayers for his well-being.