Pope Francis to Appear Publicly After Extended Hospital Stay for Pneumonia
The 88-year-old pontiff is set to return to the Vatican following over five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia.
Pope Francis is scheduled to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome today, March 23, 2025, after a hospitalization that lasted over five weeks due to double pneumonia.
This marks the 88-year-old pontiff's return to the Vatican following a significant health crisis that began on February 14.
Medical professionals held a news briefing on Saturday, the first in-person update since February 21, detailing the pontiff's recovery.
They confirmed that Pope Francis is no longer in critical, life-threatening condition, signifying a notable improvement, although they noted that his overall health status remains complex due to factors including his age, previous health issues, and a loss of lung capacity from an earlier illness.
During the initial weeks of hospitalization, Pope Francis faced several challenges including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and persistent coughing troubles.
His treatment has involved close monitoring and medical interventions to stabilize his condition.
The Vatican released a photograph of the pontiff from the hospital chapel, showing him participating in a Mass last week.
As part of his return to public life, Pope Francis plans to greet the faithful and offer his blessing from the window of the Vatican, marking his first public engagement since becoming ill.
In a related note, the Vatican announced that the King and Queen of the United Kingdom are scheduled to meet Pope Francis next month.
This visit, taking place in early April, coincides with celebrations marking the papal jubilee and acknowledges the long-standing relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
The royal visit from April 7 to 10 will include significant historical milestones, including King Charles's role as the first British monarch to visit the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where St Paul is interred, since the reformation.
During their time in Italy, the King will also hold meetings with various Italian officials, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and attend a state banquet hosted by the President at Palazzo Quirinale.
This marks the 88-year-old pontiff's return to the Vatican following a significant health crisis that began on February 14.
Medical professionals held a news briefing on Saturday, the first in-person update since February 21, detailing the pontiff's recovery.
They confirmed that Pope Francis is no longer in critical, life-threatening condition, signifying a notable improvement, although they noted that his overall health status remains complex due to factors including his age, previous health issues, and a loss of lung capacity from an earlier illness.
During the initial weeks of hospitalization, Pope Francis faced several challenges including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and persistent coughing troubles.
His treatment has involved close monitoring and medical interventions to stabilize his condition.
The Vatican released a photograph of the pontiff from the hospital chapel, showing him participating in a Mass last week.
As part of his return to public life, Pope Francis plans to greet the faithful and offer his blessing from the window of the Vatican, marking his first public engagement since becoming ill.
In a related note, the Vatican announced that the King and Queen of the United Kingdom are scheduled to meet Pope Francis next month.
This visit, taking place in early April, coincides with celebrations marking the papal jubilee and acknowledges the long-standing relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
The royal visit from April 7 to 10 will include significant historical milestones, including King Charles's role as the first British monarch to visit the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where St Paul is interred, since the reformation.
During their time in Italy, the King will also hold meetings with various Italian officials, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and attend a state banquet hosted by the President at Palazzo Quirinale.