Pope Francis will leave the hospital on Sunday, March 23, after receiving prolonged treatment for pneumonia.
According to Reuters, citing the pontiff’s doctors, the 88-year-old Francis will need about two more months to recover in the Vatican. The Pope was hospitalized on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, requiring extended medical care.
The Vatican announced that on the day of his discharge, Francis plans to address the faithful from the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome and give his blessing following the traditional Angelus prayer.
Over the past two years, the pontiff has repeatedly faced health issues, including bouts of flu. In his youth, he suffered from pleurisy, which led to the removal of part of one of his lungs. He also has chronic conditions: knee problems require him to use a wheelchair, and in 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery.
Francis has not ruled out the possibility of voluntarily stepping down if his health no longer allows him to fulfill his duties as head of the Catholic Church.
