Pope Francis was discharged from Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday after prolonged treatment. He is set to return to Santa Marta, the pontiff's official residence.
Vatican said the Pope is steady and stable and has shown improvements in respiratory functions. The prognosis has been lifted. The doctors said during his hospitalisation, the pontiff kept in touch with news events concerning the church and politics.
Joy all around as Pope Francis makes his first appearance since he was hospitalised on February 14th, saying a few words and imparting his Apostolic Blessing in silence. Later this afternoon he will be discharged from hospital and return to the Vatican. pic.twitter.com/Nuaxo76hrL
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) March 23, 2025
Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the Gemelli Hospital medical team, and the pontiff's personal physician spoke to the media ahead of the Pope's discharge. They said Pope Francis requires two months of rest.
Dr Alfier said the Pope can resume his work schedule if the health continues to be stable. However, the doctors pointed out that the pontiff would not be able to meet people and groups like before during the convalescence period. Dr Alfier added that there would be a temporary "loss of voice" because of bilateral pneumonia, which is normal.
Pope Francis, who was fighting double pneumonia, suffered four acute attacks of what the Vatican called "respiratory crises" during his time in hospital https://t.co/vzXO4MCKB4 pic.twitter.com/Zau3OyyPd4
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 23, 2025
However, Pope Francis is expected to meet Britain's King Charles III on April 8.
The doctor revealed that Pope Francis was a cooperative patient who listened to the instructions of the medical team during this month-long treatment.
Pope Francis was admitted to hospital more than one month ago on February 14. He was suffering from acute respiratory troubles caused by polymicrobial infection. This resulted in bilateral pneumonia, following which he underwent a combined pharmacological treatment.
During his hospitalisation, Pope Francis suffered two critical episodes that posed risk to his life. The doctors said they never intubated him but provided non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy.
