After over five weeks in the Gemelli hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff will resume his recovery at the Vatican, with a focus on regaining his voice and strength.
Pope Francis Set for Hospital Discharge as Recovery Continues
Pope Francis Set for Hospital Discharge as Recovery Continues
Pope Francis, after a prolonged battle with double pneumonia, is ready to leave the hospital this Sunday.
Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday, as confirmed by his medical team on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff has been recuperating from a serious bout of double pneumonia, and the Vatican announced that he will require at least two months of rest at the Vatican following his release. Since his admission to the hospital on February 14, he has had limited public appearances, with the only public image being a photograph of him praying in a hospital chapel released last week.
On Friday, the Vatican reported that the Pope's condition has shown signs of improvement. However, an official warned that he may face challenges in "relearning to speak" due to the prolonged use of high-flow oxygen therapy during his recovery. Cardinal Victor Fernandez reassured that while the Pope is doing well physically, the high-flow oxygen has caused dryness in his throat, necessitating speech rehabilitation.
According to the latest updates, the Pope's overall physical condition remains stable, with improvements seen in both his breathing and mobility. He has transitioned away from using mechanical ventilation at night and is now utilizing oxygen through a small tube during his daytime hours. Earlier this month, an audio message featuring Pope Francis’s breathless voice of gratitude to the Catholic faithful for their prayers was played in St. Peter's Square.
Cardinal Fernandez, who heads the Vatican's doctrinal office, addressed unfounded rumors concerning the possibility of Pope Francis resigning, similar to the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. When questioned about the odds of the Pope being discharged in time for Easter on April 20, the Cardinal indicated uncertainty.
Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has encountered various health challenges over the years, notably having part of one lung removed at age 21, which has increased his vulnerability to infections.
On Friday, the Vatican reported that the Pope's condition has shown signs of improvement. However, an official warned that he may face challenges in "relearning to speak" due to the prolonged use of high-flow oxygen therapy during his recovery. Cardinal Victor Fernandez reassured that while the Pope is doing well physically, the high-flow oxygen has caused dryness in his throat, necessitating speech rehabilitation.
According to the latest updates, the Pope's overall physical condition remains stable, with improvements seen in both his breathing and mobility. He has transitioned away from using mechanical ventilation at night and is now utilizing oxygen through a small tube during his daytime hours. Earlier this month, an audio message featuring Pope Francis’s breathless voice of gratitude to the Catholic faithful for their prayers was played in St. Peter's Square.
Cardinal Fernandez, who heads the Vatican's doctrinal office, addressed unfounded rumors concerning the possibility of Pope Francis resigning, similar to the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. When questioned about the odds of the Pope being discharged in time for Easter on April 20, the Cardinal indicated uncertainty.
Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has encountered various health challenges over the years, notably having part of one lung removed at age 21, which has increased his vulnerability to infections.
