Pope Francis is set for release from Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday following a significant health scare. Hospital sources confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff has stabilized after being hospitalized due to bronchitis on February 14. The Vatican revealed that he faced several critical moments during his illness that required high-flow oxygen therapy, capturing global concern over his wellbeing.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, addressing the press outside Gemelli Hospital, acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that Pope Francis’s condition was “life-threatening” twice during the hospital stay. However, he has shown remarkable recovery and has been stable for at least two weeks. “We have prepared to welcome him home,” Dr. Carbone affirmed. Despite his release, Francis will undergo a “protected discharge,” meaning he will need ongoing medication and oxygen support if necessary. A rest period of at least two months has been prescribed to ensure his full recovery.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri explained that during this convalescence, the Pope would temporarily refrain from meeting large groups or handling significant duties. “Immediately, he won’t be able to continue his work activity… that he will likely be able to do once he has finished the period of convalescence prescribed and the clinical improvements are verified,” Dr. Alfieri remarked. Dr. Carbone expressed optimism about the Pope’s progress, stating that “The Holy Father is improving, so let’s hope that soon he will be able to continue his normal activity.”
While the Vatican maintained that the Pope continued fulfilling his responsibilities throughout his illness, his absence from public appearances has been notable. This included his inability to attend the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebration, a significant event dedicated to the remission of sins held every 50 years, also referred to as the Holy Year. Despite these health challenges, the Vatican has dismissed any speculation of resignation, unlike Pope Benedict XVI’s historic resignation in 2013.
Saturday’s announcement by the Vatican stated that Pope Francis is expected to make a public address to supporters gathered outside the hospital on Sunday, his first such appearance since his treatment commenced. The world anxiously awaits to see him back among believers and well-wishers.
This hospitalization is not the Pope’s first encounter with serious health issues. In 2021, Pope Francis underwent surgery for diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal condition, and in 2023, he had surgery for a hernia. More recently, just weeks before his latest hospital admission, he was seen with a sling due to a fall, as disclosed by the Vatican.
Since becoming the leader of over 1 billion Catholics worldwide in 2013, Pope Francis has shown resilience amidst personal health battles, continuing to lead the Church with compassion and determination. His anticipated discharge and upcoming public appearance signify yet another chapter of recovery and commitment to his papal mission. The world watches with hope for his swift return to health and duties.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/22/pope-francis-to-be-released-from-the-hospital.html
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Publish Date: 2025-03-23 00:33:00
