Pope Francis Set for Hospital Discharge Today: Report

Synopsis

Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital today after more than a month of treatment for double pneumonia. He is expected to make a public appearance at the hospital’s balcony before returning to his residence. His recovery signifies ongoing reforms in the Catholic Church, emphasizing women's roles and inclusivity.

Key Takeaways

Pope Francis discharged after double pneumonia treatment.
Stable clinical condition with ongoing drug therapy.
First public appearance expected after hospitalization.
Longest hospital stay since becoming Pope.
Reforms in the Catholic Church focus on women and inclusivity.

Vatican City, March 23 (NationPress) Pope Francis is set to leave the hospital on Sunday after spending over a month receiving treatment for double pneumonia, according to Sergio Alfieri, the head of the medical team caring for the pontiff, as reported by the media.

"We are pleased to announce that he will be at home by tomorrow," he stated, in line with a CNN report.

The Holy Father will be discharged on Sunday in stable condition, with a recommendation to continue partial drug therapy and a rest period of at least two months, Alfieri informed reporters during a news conference at Gemelli on Saturday.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14.

The pontiff is expected to make a public appearance on Sunday from the hospital's balcony before returning to Casa Santa Marta, his residence since the 2013 conclave, as per Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The 88-year-old pontiff will offer a blessing and greet supporters at the conclusion of Sunday’s Angelus prayer, the Vatican press office announced earlier on Saturday.

Typically, the pope leads this prayer and shares a reflection weekly, but he has not done so for the past five Sundays.

This hospital stay marks the longest for the pontiff at Gemelli since his election a dozen years ago. Although he has not been visible for weeks, his presence has been felt as the Vatican released a brief audio message from him, along with a photo last weekend showing him praying in the hospital’s chapel, according to CNN.

News of his discharge follows the Vatican stating this week that the Pope’s condition seems to be improving, with his pneumonia now considered under control, as per CNN.

Last week, the pope sanctioned a new three-year reform initiative for the Catholic Church, signaling a clear intention to remain in his role despite his prolonged hospital stay.

The proposed reforms include enhancing the roles of women within the Catholic Church, such as ordaining them as deacons, and increasing the involvement of non-clergy members in governance and decision-making.