Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after a month-long battle with pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff faced life-threatening complications twice during his stay, his doctors revealed on Saturday.
Despite the severity of his condition, he remained in good spirits and is eager to return to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
“The Pope was in danger of his life twice,” doctors said. His medical team described his relief upon receiving the news of his discharge. “He was very happy, he had been asking us for three or four days when he could go home.”
Professor Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors treating him, noted that while Francis struggled with pain at times, his sense of humour never wavered. “When we went to listen to his chest and asked him how he was, he answered, ‘I’m still alive,’ which reassured us that he was regaining his good mood.”
Pope will convalesce at Casa Santa Maria
Doctors confirmed that the most severe infections have been resolved, with some viruses and fungi reduced. “The bilateral pneumonia is no longer present, but it will take time to eliminate all microbial species,” said Prof. Alfieri and Dr. Luigi Carbone. The Pope will require oxygen support during his convalescence at Casa Santa Marta, where the Vatican has a 24-hour emergency medical service in place.
Francis is also expected to recover his speech abilities soon, following the impact of the illness. “It is difficult to say exactly how long it will take, but given the improvements, recovery is possible in a short time,” said Dr. Carbone.
The Pope’s convalescence is expected to last at least two months. “The hospital is the worst place to continue recovery because infections are most likely to occur there,” Prof. Alfieri explained. He confirmed that the Pope’s condition has remained stable for two weeks, making his discharge possible.
Pope Francis will return to the Vatican on Sunday, where he will continue his recovery with the necessary medical support. His future schedule remains uncertain as doctors prioritise his rest and rehabilitation.
