Pope Francis to be Discharged from Hospital After Month-Long Stay for Pneumonia

Pope Francis to be Discharged from Hospital After Month-Long Stay

Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, March 13th, after a month-long stay for treatment of pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff experienced "two very critical episodes" during his hospitalization, but has since shown steady improvement. He will require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation at the Vatican.

During a press conference, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, medical director of Gemelli Hospital, stated that the Pope experienced "acute respiratory failure due to a polymicrobial infection." He was diagnosed with a complex bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory tract infection, followed by pneumonia in both lungs. Blood tests also revealed anemia, low blood platelets, and the onset of kidney failure, which were later resolved after two blood transfusions.

The Pope's condition worsened on February 28th when he experienced an acute coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring noninvasive mechanical ventilation. He suffered two more respiratory crises in the following days, necessitating manual aspiration of mucus and the use of a ventilation mask at night.

Over the past two weeks, the Pope's condition has stabilized. He no longer requires the ventilation mask at night and is reducing his reliance on supplemental oxygen during the day. He still has some infections, but is expected to make a full recovery with rest and rehabilitation.

On Sunday morning, the Pope will appear publicly to bless the faithful from his 10th floor suite at the hospital. He will then return to the Vatican and begin his recovery process. Doctors have advised him to avoid large groups and public activities during this time.