In brief
After spending over five weeks in the hospital, Pope Francis, 88, is making a gradual recovery and is expected to continue his rehabilitation at the Vatican for at least two months. His doctors have noted improvements in his condition, although he will need to relearn how to speak after extensive use of high-flow oxygen therapy. The pontiff only made one public appearance since his hospitalization and has expressed gratitude for the prayers from the faithful.
Pope Francis will leave Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday after a challenging five-week battle with double pneumonia. Doctors report that the 88-year-old pontiff is recovering, although he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation at the Vatican for the next two months. Since his admission on 14 February, he has only been publicly seen once, with the Vatican sharing a photograph of him in prayer at the hospital chapel.According to the Vatican, the Pope's condition has improved, showing progress in both breathing and mobility. He is no longer reliant on mechanical ventilation at night and uses a small oxygen tube during the day. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, a senior church official, mentioned that the Pope may need to "relearn to speak" due to the effects of prolonged oxygen therapy. Earlier this month, Pope Francis’ first audio recording since hospitalization was played in St. Peter's Square, though it highlighted ongoing struggles with breathlessness. When questioned about the pope's return timeline ahead of the Easter holiday on 20 April, Cardinal Fernandez stated uncertainty.Pope Francis, leading the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, has faced various health challenges, including lung surgery in his youth that increases his vulnerability to respiratory issues. Meanwhile, the Vatican has dismissed rumors of resignation akin to that of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, reaffirming the pontiff's intentions to continue his mission.
