The head of the team taking care of Pope Francis, Dr. Sergio Alfier, has announced that the Catholic Pontiff will be discharged on Sunday from the hospital, where he has spent more than a month being treated for double pneumonia.
“The Holy Father will be discharged from tomorrow in stable clinical condition with a prescription to partially continue drug therapy and a convalescence and rest period of at least two months,” Alfieri told reporters at a news conference at Gemelli on Saturday.
“Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be at home,” he added.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Pope Francis has been in hospital since February 14.
The pope’s hospitalisation has been his longest stay in Gemelli since his election 12 years ago. While he has not been seen in weeks, his presence has been felt with the Vatican releasing a short audio message from the pope as well as a photo last weekend showing him praying at that hospital’s chapel.
News of his discharge came after the Vatican said this week that the Pope’s condition appeared to be improving, adding that his pneumonia is considered under control.
Last week, the pope approved a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, sending a strong signal he intends to remain in the postdespite his lengthy stint in hospital.
Reforms on the table include how to give greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and the greater inclusion of non-clergy members in governance and decision making.
