Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Sunday and he will return to his residence in the Vatican to continue his convalescence.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday evening, March 22, Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the Gemelli Hospital medical team that has been treating the Pope for an acute respiratory tract infection and bilateral pneumonia said “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.”

Doctor Alfieri, flanked by the Pope’s personal physician, Doctor Sergio Carbone, explained that the decision to discharge the Pope follows steady and rapid medical improvements in his clinical condition and the lifting of the prognosis.

He noted that the past week has seen significant improvements. He confirmed that when the Pope was admitted to hospital on 14 February, he was suffering an acute respiratory insufficiency due to a polymicrobial infection that resulted in bilateral pneumonia. This, he explained, necessitated a combined pharmacological treatment.

Answering questions put to him by reporters, Alfieri reiterated that the bilateral pneumonia has been successfully treated, but time is needed for a complete recovery.

Thus, the Pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence, during which he will be receiving medical care and will be taking an adequate period of rest.

Alfieri noted that the Holy Father’s health is improving steadily, and the hope is he will soon be able to resume a work schedule. This however, he pointed out, does not mean he will immediately be able to start meeting with people and groups as he did before.

The doctor also reiterated, as medical bulletins informed during the Pope’s entire period of hospitalization, that Pope Francis has proved to be a “good” and collaborative patient, always heeding the indications of the medical team.

He also confirmed that during this time the Pope suffered two critical episodes, during which his life was in danger. He was given non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, but he was never intubated and was always alert and oriented.

He said that a temporary “loss of voice” after bilateral pneumonia and its treatment is normal, and he said Pope Francis does not suffer from diabetes.

Asked what the life of the Pope will be like when he gets home, Alfieri said that with the continuing rehabilitation therapy, hopefully he will soon be able to resume his normal activities.

Pointing out that throughout his time in the hospital, the doctor said Pope Francis has always stayed in touch with current events, both church-related and political, and – as we have seen – has continued to dedicate himself to work activities.

He is happy to be discharged, he reiterated, and as all doctors agree, “the best way to recover is to do so at home.”

Pope to greet crowd at Gemelli on Sunday, March 23

On Saturday morning, the Holy See Press Office announced the Pope is planning to greet the crowd outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital and give his blessing on Sunday, March 23, shortly after 12pm. The statement said the text of the Angelus will be shared as it has been the last few weeks.

While the doctors have not yet given any indication as to when the Pope would be discharged from the hospital, this greeting on Sunday would be the first appearance since he was hospitalized on February 14. This news comes after the most recent health update shared Pope Francis’ continued improvements both in his respiratory and motor functions.

Despite being in the hospital for the last five weeks, the Pope has continued to work, sending messages to pilgrim groups, concelebrating Mass, and even sending a voice message on March 6 to thank everyone for their testimonies of love and solidarity.

Pope expresses 'great joy' over prayers of support

In a brief message from Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis on Saturday greeted groups of pilgrims from dioceses across Italy currently in Rome for the Jubilee Year.

These pilgrimages, the Pope wrote, "express the unity which joins you as one community around your pastors and the bishop of Rome". They also demonstrate, he added, the pilgrims' "commitment to accepting Jesus' invitation to enter through the narrow door". 

Love, the Pope said, always fulfils these dual functions of "uniting us and helping us to grow together". For this reason, he explained, God had brought the pilgrims together at the tomb of St Peter, "from which you will be able to set off even stronger in faith and more united in charity".

The Pope then thanked the pilgrims for their prayers for his health.

"Recently, I have very much felt the support that comes from your closeness," the Pope said, "particularly the prayers which you have been accompanying me with."

"Even though I can't be with you physically," the Pope continued , "I want to express my great joy in knowing that you are united to me, and among yourselves, in the Lord Jesus".

Pope Francis drew his message to a close by assuring the pilgrims of his prayers, and asking for theirs in return: "I bless you and pray for you. And please: continue to pray for me too".