By Mercy Gadia Adi
Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday, March 24, after spending over a month being treated for double pneumonia, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the pontiff. This news comes as a relief to Catholics around the world who have been praying for the Pope’s recovery.
“The Holy Father will be discharged from tomorrow in stable clinical condition with a prescription to partially continue drug therapy and a convalescence and rest period of at least two months,” Alfieri announced at a news conference at Gemelli Hospital on Saturday. “Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be at home,” he added, giving a glimpse into the Pope’s condition.
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The pontiff will also make his first public appearance on Sunday at the hospital’s balcony before making his way back to the Casa Santa Marta, his residence since the 2013 conclave. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the Pope will offer a blessing and greeting to well-wishers at the end of Sunday’s Angelus prayer.
Francis, who has been in hospital since February 14, has recovered from double pneumonia, but not all of the infections he has been suffering from, according to Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of the Vatican’s healthcare service. “The Pope’s voice is improving, but he still needs time to recover,” Carbone added.
The 88-year-old pontiff will continue therapy and physiotherapy after he has been discharged, Carbone said. This will ensure that the Pope makes a full recovery and is able to resume his duties without any complications.
The Pope’s hospitalization has been his longest stay in Gemelli since his election 12 years ago. While he has not been seen in public for weeks, his presence has been felt with the Vatican releasing a short audio message from the Pope as well as a photo last weekend showing him praying at the hospital’s chapel.
Since the Pope’s admission to the hospital mid-February, there were two serious episodes where his life was in danger, according to the Vatican and the team taking care of the pontiff. However, the Pope is now in good spirits and has been asking to be discharged for the last few days, Carbone told reporters.
News of the Pope’s discharge comes after the Vatican said this week that the Pope’s condition appeared to be improving, adding that his pneumonia is considered under control. This is a welcome development for Catholics around the world who have been praying for the Pope’s recovery.
The Pope’s recovery is also seen as a positive sign for the Catholic Church, which has been undergoing reforms under his leadership. Last week, the Pope approved a new three-year reform process, sending a strong signal that he intends to remain in the post despite his lengthy stint in hospital. Reforms on the table include giving greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and increasing the inclusion of non-clergy members in governance and decision-making.