Pope Francis is set to leave Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday after battling a severe respiratory infection. Admitted on February 14, he faced double pneumonia and had two serious moments where doctors feared for his life. Fortunately, he stayed alert throughout his treatment and has now stabilized, although he’s not completely healed.
His doctor, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, expressed relief about the Pope’s recovery, mentioning he never needed intubation, which is often necessary for severe cases. The Pope will take some much-needed time to rest at the Vatican for at least two months.
On Sunday, he plans to bless the faithful from the hospital window—his first public appearance since he was hospitalized. This will be a significant moment, as many have been anxious for news of his health and well-being.
After his bout with pneumonia, the Pope’s voice may take time to return to normal. Experts note that older patients often experience challenges like this after such illnesses. Recently, Cardinal Victor Fernandez mentioned that the Pope is relearning how to speak due to the effects of high-flow oxygen.
There have been signs of improvement; the Pope no longer needs mechanical ventilation at night and is using a small oxygen tube during the day. Just last week, the Vatican shared an image of him praying in a chapel, and earlier this month, he recorded a message of gratitude for the prayers he received from Catholics worldwide. His voice in that recording was noticeably faint, but it still managed to uplift many hearts.
Pope Francis has led the Catholic Church for nearly 12 years. He has faced several health challenges over the years, including a past lung surgery that makes him more vulnerable to infections. This history underscores the gravity of his recent illness and the importance of the recovery ahead.
As people await his return to regular duties, it’s clear that the world is watching closely, hoping for a swift and complete recovery for the beloved leader.
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