Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after weeks of confinement due to respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.
The pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14.
Sergio Alfieri, a general surgeon at Gemelli Hospital, told the media on the evening of March 22 that Pope Francis, 88, "will be at home" to rest and continue his recovery.
At a news conference, Alfieri said, "The Holy Father will be discharged from tomorrow in stable clinical condition with a prescription to partially continue drug therapy and a convalescence and rest period of at least two months."
While hospitalized, the Pope experienced two life-threatening episodes, according to the Vatican and his medical team.
Thankfully, his condition has since stabilized.
POPE FRANCIS TO GREET THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY
In a statement, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis will greet well-wishers from the hospital balcony after midday prayers on Sunday.
He will then return to his Casa Santa Marta residence, located next to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
While in the hospital, the Pope, despite being ill, still did his best to carry out his duties as the head of the Catholic church.
He reviewed the list of individuals being considered for sainthood, signed approvals, and completed various other tasks.
Read: Pope Francis: “I might not make it this time.”
However, Pope Francis is expected to refrain from doing physically demanding duties, such as meeting with guests and dignitaries, as he concentrates on his respiratory and physical therapy.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández of the Vatican’s doctrinal office said that while the pontiff is "doing very well," the high-flow oxygen treatment “dries everything out,” and he “needs to relearn to speak.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, assumed the papacy on March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation due to declining health and old age.