Pope Francis To Be Released From Hospital After 5 Weeks On Sunday

Pope Francis will be released from the hospital on Sunday after battling double pneumonia for 38 days. The pneumonia has been treated, but the Pope will need two months of rest and medical care.

File photo of Pope Francis.

Source : PTI

Pope Francis Health Update: Pope Francis will be released from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after spending 38 days battling double pneumonia, doctors said, as reported by Vatican News.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that caused pneumonia in both lungs.

Speaking to media on Saturday, Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the Gemelli Hospital medical team, said, “The good news the world and everyone is waiting for is that tomorrow the Holy Father will be discharged. Tomorrow he will return to Santa Marta."

Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the Gemelli Hospital medical team, stated: “The good news the world and everyone is waiting for is that tomorrow the Holy Father will be discharged. Tomorrow he will return to Santa Marta.”

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— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 22, 2025

During his hospitalization, the pope experienced two 'very critical episodes' in which his 'life was in danger', Alfieri said, and added that he was given non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, but he was never intubated and was always alert and oriented.

Alfieri told reporters that the bilateral pneumonia has been successfully treated, but time is needed for a complete recovery. Francis will need two months of rest at the Vatican, during which he will continue to receive medical care, the surgeon said.

The pope’s personal physician, Doctor Sergio Carbone, stated that the decision to discharge Francis follows steady and rapid medical improvements in his clinical condition and the lifting of the prognosis.

Pope's Audio Message

Earlier in March, Francis released his first audio message since being hospitalised and thanked people for their prayers.

Pope's message, which was in his native Spanish, was recorded from the hospital and, was broadcast to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer.

In a feeble and breathless voice, Francis said, "I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square. I accompany you from here." He added, "May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you", Vatican News reported.

Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.