Pope Francis will be discharged from Gemelli hospital on Sunday, following over a month of treatment for double pneumonia, announced Dr. Sergio Alfieri, his medical team’s head.
“The Holy Father will be discharged…in stable clinical condition,” Alfieri stated, noting he’ll continue drug therapy and require two months of rest.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the Pope will make a public appearance from the hospital balcony before returning to his residence, Casa Santa Marta.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, from the Vatican’s healthcare service, clarified that while the Pope has recovered from pneumonia, he is still battling other infections and needs time for his voice to fully recover.
The Vatican confirmed he will offer a blessing and greeting during Sunday’s Angelus prayer, his first public address in five weeks.
News of the Pope’s impending discharge brought relief to Catholic worshippers worldwide. In Vatican City, those gathered at St. Peter’s Square, who had been praying nightly, expressed joy.
“It’s a great joy for all of us,” said Richard Gundel. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, worshippers celebrated during a mass dedicated to the Pope’s health.
“When I heard the news today, it gave me goosebumps,” Raquel Martinez told Reuters.
This hospitalization marks the Pope’s longest stay in Gemelli since his 2013 election.
Despite his absence, the Vatican released an audio message and a photo of him praying in the hospital chapel, keeping him connected to his followers.