Vatican City, March 23, 2025 – Pope Francis will be discharged on Sunday from Gemelli Hospital, where he has spent over a month receiving treatment for double pneumonia, according to Sergio Alfieri, the head of his medical team.
Alfieri confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff is in a stable clinical condition but will need to continue partial drug therapy and undergo a two-month recovery period. Despite his hospitalization since February 14, the Pope is expected to make his first public appearance on Sunday, greeting well-wishers from the hospital’s balcony before returning to Casa Santa Marta, his residence since 2013.
The Vatican press office stated that Pope Francis will offer a blessing and greeting after Sunday’s Angelus prayer, a weekly reflection he has missed for the past five Sundays.
This hospital stay has been the longest of his 12-year papacy, though the Vatican kept his presence felt through audio messages and a photo showing him praying in the hospital chapel. His discharge follows reports that his condition has improved and his pneumonia is under control.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains actively engaged in Church affairs. Last week, he approved a three-year reform process, signaling his intent to continue leading the Catholic Church. Proposed reforms include greater roles for women, potentially allowing them to serve as deacons, and increased participation of non-clergy members in governance and decision-making.
