Pope Francis to Leave Hospital After Double Pneumonia Battle

Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after battling a severe respiratory infection, doctors announced. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted on February 14 with double pneumonia, faced two critical episodes during his stay where his life was at risk, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors treating him.

Despite the severity of his illness, Pope Francis was never intubated and remained alert throughout his hospitalization. While not fully recovered, his condition has stabilized, and doctors have declared him free of pneumonia. He will require at least two months of rest at the Vatican.

“Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be at home,” Dr. Alfieri told reporters on Saturday.

Before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis is expected to deliver a public blessing from his window at Gemelli — his first appearance since being admitted. His voice remains weak, and Dr. Alfieri noted that it could take time for it to fully return due to the toll pneumonia takes, especially on elderly patients.

Cardinal Victor Fernandez also noted that “high-flow oxygen dries everything out” and that the Pope “needs to relearn how to speak.”

If his recovery continues as expected, doctors believe he can gradually return to work. The Vatican said on Friday that the Pope had shown improved breathing and mobility, no longer requiring mechanical ventilation at night and using only minimal oxygen support during the day.

Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, has faced ongoing health challenges, including the removal of part of his lung at age 21, which has made him more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.