Vatican City,23 March (H.S.): On Saturday morning, the Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope plans to greet the crowd outside Rome's Gemelli hospital and deliver a blessing today on Sunday, March 23, at noon. The statement noted that the text of the Angelus will be shared, as it has been in recent weeks. This will be the Pope's first public appearance since his hospitalization on February 14.

Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital today. returning to his Vatican residence for ongoing recovery. Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team treating the Pope for an acute respiratory tract infection and bilateral pneumonia, announced the positive news on Saturday evening. The discharge is based on significant improvements in the Pope’s health since his admission on February 14, where he experienced acute respiratory insufficiency due to a polymicrobial infection. Alfieri noted that while the pneumonia has been successfully addressed, a full recovery will take time, necessitating at least two months of convalescence during which the Pope will receive medical care and rest.

Though his health is improving, Alfieri stated that the Pope will not immediately resume public engagements. Throughout his hospitalization, the Pope has proven to be a cooperative patient, despite experiencing two critical episodes during which his life was considered at risk. Notably, he was never intubated and remained alert. Alfieri mentioned a temporary loss of voice is normal post-treatment and confirmed the Pope has no diabetes. He remains engaged with current events and looks forward to recovering at home, as experts agree this is the best path to healing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar