Pope Francis is set to make his first public appearance in over five weeks on Sunday as he continues to recover from double pneumonia. The Vatican announced that he will give a blessing from the window of his chamber at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment since February 14.
This appearance is expected to be brief, as he is still in recovery, but it will be the first time he has been seen in public since his hospitalization.
Francis, who is 88 years old, was admitted to the hospital with a severe respiratory illness that required ongoing care. His absence from public duties has been the longest since he became pope in 2013.
Traditionally, he leads a prayer every Sunday at noon in St. Peter’s Square, but he has been unable to do so since February 9.
The Vatican clarified that he will not lead the prayer this Sunday but will come to the window to greet and bless patients and well-wishers.
The pope’s health has been a growing concern, especially since he has a history of lung complications. As a young adult, he suffered from pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining, and had part of one lung removed.
This makes him more vulnerable to infections, including pneumonia. His current hospitalization has been the most serious health issue of his papacy, and there has been widespread speculation about his ability to resume full duties.
Despite the seriousness of his illness, the Vatican has given cautious updates that suggest his condition is improving.
On Friday, officials reported that he has reduced his reliance on high-flow oxygen, which was helping him breathe more easily.
However, Cardinal Victor Fernandez, a senior Vatican official, noted that the pope might need time to “relearn to speak” due to the effects of the oxygen treatment.
Fernandez explained that high-flow oxygen dries out the throat and vocal cords, making it difficult to speak, but he assured the public that Francis’s overall health remains stable.
There is still no official word on when the pope will be discharged from the hospital. The Vatican has not provided a timeline for his release, and doctors are likely monitoring his recovery closely before making any decisions.
However, there is some optimism that he may be well enough to resume his duties soon. A planned meeting with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 suggests that the Vatican expects him to be back at his residence by then.
Until then, his public appearances will likely remain limited as he continues to regain his strength.
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