The physicians attending to the Pope have stated that he may go back to the Vatican this coming Sunday but will require approximately two months for recovery. At one point, the 88-year-old religious leader was seriously unwell due to double pneumonia while being hospitalized in Rome.
Pope Francis is expected to be released from the hospital on Sunday following over five weeks of treatment, according to the medical team caring for him at a Roman hospital.
During a press briefing on Saturday night, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who serves as the medical director at Gemelli Hospital, stated that Francis requires a minimum of two months for recovery and rehabilitation following a severe bout with bilateral lung pneumonia, which was potentially life-threatening.
The reporters were informed that the Pope had not fully recovered yet, and his complete healing would require substantial time. Medical professionals advised that Francis should steer clear of engagements involving big crowds or situations likely to cause fatigue.
Francis to make first public appearance
Previously on Saturday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis was scheduled to make his first public appearance since being admitted to the hospital due to respiratory issues on February 14.
Since he had missed the Angelus prayers for five weeks, the Vatican announced that the pope would extend a blessing and a wave to the gathered crowd from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli hospital approximately at midday local time (1100 GMT), after the usual Angelus prayer session.
This will mark the first instance where the 88-year-old individual has appeared publicly since being hospitalized.
Since his hospitalization, Francis, who leads the Catholic Church, has been fighting against double pneumonia, a condition that once put him in a serious state, requiring intensive care. evolving treatment .
Pope's health 'improving'
Earlier this week, the Vatican stated the following: Pope's medical condition was described as " improving." and that he was no longer wearing an oxygen mask.
Before his hospital stay, Francis had been consistent in attending the Angelus prayers ever since he assumed the position in March 2013.
Initially, it wasn’t clear if Francis would greet the crowd from the window of his hospital room or from a balcony. However, the Vatican announced that the Pope wouldn't be leading the Angelus prayer personally.
Until now, the only glimpse of the pope by the public was a photo released last week showing him at worship within a hospital chapel .
A high-ranking cardinal stated on Friday that it might take some time for the pope to "reacquaint himself with speech" following his use of supplemental oxygen during his hospitalization. However, he also noted that the pope’s general health remains unchanged from what it was prior to his treatment.
The Pope does not intend to resign.
Francis's hospital stay is the most extended during his papacy and has sparked queries about who will oversee religious events preceding Easter, which marks the highest holy time of year for Christians.
On Wednesday, the Vatican's press office stated that no decision has been made as of yet.
There is widespread speculation that Francis might resign because of his frail health, potentially following the same path as his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
However, when questioned about the likelihood of resigning, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin responded to journalists on Monday with a firm denial: "No, no, no, definitely not."
The Vatican stated that doctors have not yet provided any signs indicating when the Pope might be released from the hospital.
Nevertheless, the scheduled meeting with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 has suggested that Francis might return to his Vatican home by that time.
The Pope from Argentina tends to suffer from lung infections due to having experienced pleurisy when he was younger and subsequently undergoing surgery to remove part of one lung.
This admission to the hospital has marked the most severe health emergency during his 12-year pontificate and the longest period he has spent away from public sight since taking office.
Catholics have been praying for Francis' quick recovery, as he is the second-oldest pope ever recorded in history.
Numerous supporters and admirers have departed. flowers, candles and notes for him outside the clinic.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
Author: Nik Martin (with AFP, dpa, Reuters contributions)
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