Pope Francis Set to Be Discharged Following Lengthy Hospitalization
Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, marking the end of a 38-day stay that saw the pontiff battle a life-threatening case of pneumonia. The announcement was made by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the hospital’s medical director, during a press conference on Saturday. The Vatican also confirmed that Pope Francis would make a public appearance on Sunday morning to bless the faithful from his 10th-floor hospital suite before returning to the Vatican.
Dr. Alfieri revealed that the Holy Father experienced two "very critical episodes" during his hospitalization when his life was in danger. However, he has since shown a "slow but progressive" improvement thanks to pharmacological therapy, the administration of high-flow oxygen, and assisted mechanical ventilation. Importantly, the pope was never intubated and never lost consciousness throughout his ordeal, Dr. Alfieri emphasized.
Despite the positive progress, Dr. Alfieri cautioned that Francis will require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation as he continues recovering at the Vatican. Doctors advise the pontiff against attending large gatherings or public activities during this recovery period.
The press conference featured Dr. Alfieri, the head physician of the Vatican’s Health and Hygiene Office, Luigi Carbone, and the pope’s spokesperson, Matteo Bruni. They gathered in the entry hall of Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where Pope Francis has been treated since February 14, when a bout of bronchitis worsened.
Dr. Alfieri clarified that the pope experienced acute respiratory failure due to a polymicrobial infection. This update marked the first in-person briefing on the pontiff’s condition since February 21, a week after the 88-year-old Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital. Since then, he experienced several respiratory crises that placed him in critical condition, although his condition has since stabilized. Due to the double pneumonia, Dr. Alfieri told reporters that the pope’s voice has been damaged but that it will improve with time.
The doctor added that recovery would best continue away from the hospital, where exposure to viruses risks weakening the Holy Father’s condition. Dr. Alfieri confirmed that the pope did not have COVID-19 but had been exposed to various viruses.
While Francis released an audio message on March 6 and the Vatican distributed a photo of him on March 16, Sunday’s blessing will be his first live appearance since being admitted on February 14. This hospitalization is the longest of his 12-year papacy. The Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease, is prone to respiratory problems in winter and had part of one lung removed as a young man.
Upon his initial admission, doctors diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory tract infection and soon thereafter, pneumonia in both lungs. Blood tests also revealed signs of anemia, low blood platelets, and the onset of kidney failure, all of which were resolved after two blood transfusions, according to officials.
The most serious setbacks began on February 28 when Francis experienced an acute coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring him to use a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask to help him breathe. He suffered two more respiratory crises in the following days, requiring doctors to manually aspirate the mucus. After that, he began sleeping with the ventilation mask at night to help his lungs clear the accumulation of fluids.
Over the past two weeks, the Vatican press office reported that the pope has stabilized. He no longer needs to wear the ventilation mask at night and is cutting back on his reliance on high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day.
Dr. Alfieri clarified that the pope no longer has double pneumonia but still has some infections and must continue to heal.
In other news, King Charles III is scheduled to meet Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican next month. Details of the meeting were not immediately available, but it is expected to be a significant event that will reinforce the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and the Holy See.
The prayers and well-wishes of people around the world have undoubtedly played a role in Pope Francis’ recovery. His resilience and strength, even in the face of serious illness, have been an inspiration to many. As he prepares to return to the Vatican, the world awaits his continued leadership and guidance. The planned public blessing from the hospital window offers a symbol of hope and connection for the faithful during this time. The Pope’s dedication to his duties, even while facing health challenges, emphasizes his commitment to his role and the people he serves. The Vatican officials and medical team’s transparent communication with the public regarding his condition has allowed supporters to stay informed and united in prayer for his speedy recovery. It is hoped that the two months of rest and rehabilitation will equip him to continue serving in his leadership role.
