Overview of Pope Francis’ Hospitalization

Pope Francis will be released from the hospital on Sunday after 38 days battling a severe case of pneumonia in both lungs that threatened his life on two occasions and raised the prospect — for now put to rest — of a papal resignation or funeral.

Medical Condition and Treatment

The 88-year-old pontiff will require at least two months of rest, rehabilitation and convalescence back at the Vatican during which time he has been discouraged from meeting in big groups or exerting himself, said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who coordinated Francis’ medical team at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. But Francis’ personal doctor, Dr. Luigi Carbone, said if he continues his steady improvements and rehabilitation, he should eventually be able to resume all his normal activities.

The pope’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, speaks to journalists Saturday in the atrium of Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since Feb. 14.
Gregorio Borgia/AP Photos

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The doctors spoke at a hastily called news conference Saturday evening in the Gemelli hospital atrium, their first in-person update on the pontiff’s condition in a month. They said they were discharging Francis after he registered two weeks of stability and increasing progress in his recovery.
“The Holy Father would have wanted to go home a few days ago, as even he realized he was improving, breathing better, and that he could work longer. But I have to say he was an exemplary patient,” Alfieri said. “He listened to the suggestions from me, Dr. Carbone and the rest of the team.”

Severity of Infection

The doctors confirmed he would be released Sunday, after first offering a blessing to the faithful from his hospital suite, the first time he will have been seen by the public since he was admitted Feb. 14. They provided details on the severity of the infection, which he is still being treated for, and Alfieri noted that not all patients who develop such a severe case of double pneumonia survive, much less be released from the hospital.
“When he was in really bad shape, it was difficult that he was in good spirits,” Alfieri said. “But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied, ‘I’m still alive’ we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humor back.”

Always Alert and Cooperative

The Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli after a bout of bronchitis worsened.
Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and soon thereafter, pneumonia in both lungs. Blood tests showed signs of anemia, low blood platelets and the onset of kidney failure, all of which later resolved after two blood transfusions.

The faithful pray the rosary in St Peter’s Square Saturday in honor of Pope Francis. The Vatican announced that the pope would greet the faithful Sunday from the balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Christopher Furlong/Getty

First Appearance Expected Sunday

The pneumonia infection has been successfully treated, but Francis will continue to take oral medication for several months to treat the fungal infection in his lungs.
Alfieri said it was actually safer for him to continue his recovery and rehabilitation at the Vatican because hospitals “are the worst place to convalesce because it’s the place where you can catch the most infections.”

Conclusion

Pope Francis’ release from the hospital marks a significant step in his recovery from a severe case of pneumonia. With at least two months of rest, rehabilitation, and convalescence ahead, the pontiff is expected to make a full recovery and resume his normal activities.

FAQs

• Q: When will Pope Francis be released from the hospital?
  • A: Pope Francis will be released from the hospital on Sunday.
• Q: How long will Pope Francis need to rest and recover?
  • A: Pope Francis will require at least two months of rest, rehabilitation, and convalescence.
• Q: Will Pope Francis be able to resume his normal activities?
  • A: Yes, Pope Francis is expected to resume his normal activities after his recovery and rehabilitation.
• Q: What is the current state of Pope Francis’ health?
  • A: Pope Francis is improving and has registered