Pope Francis is set to be discharged on Sunday after spending more than a month in the hospital receiving treatment for double pneumonia, according to Sergio Alfieri, the lead physician overseeing his care.
“Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be at home,” Alfieri announced at a press conference at Gemelli Hospital, as reported by CNN. He added that the pontiff remains in stable clinical condition and will continue with partial drug therapy while undergoing a two-month period of rest and recovery.
The 88-year-old pope, who has been hospitalized since February 14, is expected to make his first public appearance on Sunday, addressing well-wishers from the hospital’s balcony before returning to Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence since 2013. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Pope Francis would offer a blessing and greeting to the public at the end of Sunday’s Angelus prayer—his first participation in the weekly prayer in over a month.
This hospital stay has been Pope Francis’ longest since he was elected 12 years ago. While he has not been seen publicly for weeks, the Vatican has shared updates, including a short audio message and a recent photograph of him praying in the hospital’s chapel.
His impending discharge follows recent updates from the Vatican indicating that his health has significantly improved, with his pneumonia now considered under control.
Despite his prolonged hospitalization, Pope Francis remains actively engaged in Church affairs. Last week, he approved a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, signaling his intent to continue in his role. The reforms under consideration include expanding the role of women in the Church—potentially allowing them to serve as deacons—and increasing the involvement of non-clergy members in Church governance.
As Pope Francis prepares to return to the Vatican, the global Catholic community awaits his recovery and continued leadership.