Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital

Medical team treating Pope Francis

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis is scheduled to be discharged from hospital on Sunday, 23 March. He will return to Casa Santa Marta after the Angelus, during which he will greet and bless the faithful from a window of the Gemelli Hospital at noon.

At a press conference this evening, Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team treat the Holy Father at the Gemelli Hospital, said: "The good news the world and everyone is waiting for, is that tomorrow the Holy Father will be discharged. Tomorrow he will return to Santa Marta."

Dr Alfieri, flanked by the Pope's personal physician, Dr Sergio Carbone, explained that the decision to discharge the Pope follows steady and rapid medical improvements in his clinical condition and the lifting of the prognosis.

He noted that the past week has seen significant improvements. He confirmed that when the Pope was admitted to hospital on 14 February, he was suffering an acute respiratory insufficiency due to a polymicrobial infection that resulted in bilateral pneumonia. This, he explained, necessitated a combined pharmacological treatment.

Answering questions put to him by reporters, Alfieri reiterated that the bilateral pneumonia has been successfully treated, but time will be needed for a complete recovery. The Pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence, during which he will be receiving medical care and will be taking an adequate period of rest.

Dr Alfieri noted that the Holy Father's health is improving steadily, and the hope is he will soon be able to resume a work schedule. This however, he pointed out, does not mean he will immediately be able to start meeting with people and groups as he did before.

The doctor said Pope Francis has been a "good" and collaborative patient, always heeding the indications of the medical team.

He confirmed that during his illness the Pope suffered two critical episodes, during which his life was in danger. He was given non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, but he was never intubated and was always alert and oriented.

He said that a temporary "loss of voice" after bilateral pneumonia and its treatment is normal, and he said Pope Francis does not suffer from diabetes.

Dr Alfieri said that with the continuing rehabilitation therapy, hopefully the Pope will soon be able to resume his normal activities.

He pointed out that throughout his time in the hospital, Pope Francis has stayed in touch with current events, both church-related and political, and continued to dedicate himself to work activities.

He said Pope Francis is happy to be discharged now - and as all doctors agree, "the best way to recover is to do so at home."

Vatican Media will be providing a livestream of Pope Francis' greeting and blessing after the Angelus at noon Rome time on their YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5zjiFNne_c