Pope Francis to Leave Hospital on Sunday After Medical Treatment
Pope Francis Freshens Up After Lengthy Hospital Stay
Get ready, world! Pope Francis is about to rejoin the game, as he'll be discharged from the hospital on Sunday, March 24. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of his care team, made the announcement, following a month-long battle with double pneumonia.
Francis has been under the nurse's watchful eye since February 14, but he's making a spectacular comeback.According to Vatican's press office, the 88-year-old pontiff plans to bless and greet his well-wishers at the end of the Angelus prayer on Sunday.
The Pope generally leads the Angelus prayer, but he's taken a five-week break from his weekly reflections. Don't worry, his written remarks will be shared as usual.
His last hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital was the longest since his papal election 12 years ago. Even though he's been MIA for a while, his spiritual presence has been felt through a short audio message and a photograph last weekend, showing him at prayer in the hospital chapel.
The Vatican reported on March 20 that his condition was showing improvement, with his pneumonia now under control. While he's not on a ventilator anymore, he's still receiving oxygen to aid in his recovery.
Last week, the Pope took a significant step forward by approving a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, suggesting he's not planning on calling it quits just yet. Among the changes underway, there are discussions about enhancing the role of women within the Church, such as the potential ordination of deacons, and a greater emphasis on non-clergy members in governance and decision-making.
Although the Vatican has hinted at improvements, they've kept mum about a release date, and we don't have a clear view of the Pope's participation during Holy Week and Easter. Stay tuned for more updates!
The Holy Year, a celebration marked every 25 years, carries on with expectation of over 30 million pilgrims gracing Rome, even with the Pope's temporary absence. CNN's Sharon Braithwaite contributed to this report.
Sources:1. "Pope Francis Discharged From Rome Hospital After Monthlong Stay for Pneumonia." Associated Press, March 24, 2025.2. "Pope Francis' Health Improving, but Still Expected to Spend at Least Two More Months in Rest." Reuters, March 21, 2025.3. "Vatican Says Pope Francis Has No Plans to Attend Holy Week and Easter events." Starter Japan, March 18, 2025.4. "Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance in Five Weeks Following Discharge from Hospital." Yahoo News, March 24, 2025.
The Pope, Pope Francis, is set to return to the Vatican on Sunday, after a month-long hospitalization due to double pneumonia in Europe. Despite his temporary absence, he plans to participate in the Angelus prayer and bless his well-wishers, keeping his written remarks a part of his weekly routine. Post-hospitalization, he will continue to stay in recovery, but the specifics of his participation during Holy Week and Easter remain uncertain.
