- Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday after a month-long stay for treatment of an acute respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia. During his hospitalization, he experienced two critical episodes but was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout.
- During a press conference Saturday, doctors overseeing the pontiff’s care said they decided to discharge him following steady and rapid improvements in his condition.
- The pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence and advised to avoid crowds while continuing his rehabilitation therapy.
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Pope Francis is set to be discharged from a Roman hospital on Sunday, March 23, following treatment for an acute respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who has been overseeing his care.
“The good news the world and everyone is waiting for is that tomorrow the Holy Father will be discharged. Tomorrow, he will return to Santa Marta,” Alfieri said.
Alfieri confirmed that Pope Francis, who is 88, experienced two critical episodes that endangered his life during his stay. He was administered non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy but was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout.
Alfieri noted that a temporary “loss of voice” following bilateral pneumonia and its treatment is normal and added that the pope does not suffer from diabetes.
During a press conference Saturday, March 22, doctors explained that the decision to discharge Francis follows steady and rapid improvements in his clinical condition and the lifting of the prognosis. Alfieri reiterated that while the pneumonia has been treated, time is needed for complete recovery.
Prescribed rest
The pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence and advised to avoid crowds. He will continue his rehabilitation therapy during this period.
Pope Francis was admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14 for diagnostic tests and ongoing treatment for bronchitis, according to the Vatican. Initial reports indicated Francis was battling an infection caused by bacteria, a virus, and fungus in the respiratory tract, which later evolved into pneumonia.
