In brief
Pope Francis has shown significant improvement in his health and is scheduled to be discharged from a Rome hospital this Sunday.
Pope Francis, aged 88, has been hospitalized for six weeks due to pneumonia in both lungs, but his doctors announced Saturday that he is ready to leave the hospital and will continue his recovery at the Vatican. The pontiff's case of pneumonia was severe enough to put his life at risk on two occasions. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who heads the medical team treating the pope, explained that while the pontiff's health has stabilized and he has overcome the most dangerous infections in the last two weeks, he is not yet fully healed and will need at least two months of rest. This recovery period will involve therapy and oxygen, standard procedures for patients recovering from pneumonia. His doctors have advised that Pope Francis avoid crowds and individuals, particularly children, to minimize the risk of further infections during his recovery. "He was very happy," Dr. Alfieri shared, noting the pope had been eager to return home for days. Around the globe, Catholics have been holding prayers for the pope’s health, with nightly rosary sessions led by cardinals in St. Peter's Square attracting hundreds of attendees since February 25.
