Pope Francis to Leave Hospital on Sunday After Five Weeks of Hospitalization

Hospitalized since February 14 for double pneumonia, Pope Francis, 88, will leave the Gemelli Hospital this Sunday, March 23, to return to his residence at the Vatican, announced Professor Sergio Alfieri during a press conference. He will have to undergo at least two months of convalescence before resuming his activities.

A First Public Appearance Before His Departure

Before returning to the Vatican, the Pontiff will make his first public appearance since his hospitalization. He will offer a greeting and a blessing to the faithful from a window of the hospital at the end of the Angelus prayer, whose text will be published as in previous weeks, according to the Vatican press service. This moment is highly anticipated by Catholics, as Francis has not led this Sunday prayer since February 9—an unprecedented situation since his election in 2013.

The Vatican recently reported an improvement in the Pope’s health, while noting that his pneumonia remains under control. The medical team believes that his recovery will be smoother outside the hospital. “Progress is best made at home, as hospitals are among the places where infections are most commonly contracted,” explained Professor Alfieri.

Only one photo of the Pope has been published since the beginning of his hospitalization, showing him from behind, seated in a wheelchair facing an altar. His return to the Vatican will mark an important milestone, but his condition will still require rest before he can fully resume his commitments.