Sat Mar 22 18:07:57 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis to be Discharged from Hospital, Needs Two Months Rest
**Rome, Italy** – Pope Francis is scheduled for discharge from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital this Sunday, after a month-long stay for treatment of a severe respiratory infection. While his condition has improved significantly, his doctors have mandated a two-month rest period at the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14th, marking his longest hospitalization since his election in 2013. His illness prompted an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from around the globe, with many leaving tributes outside the hospital.
This Sunday, Francis will make his first public appearance since falling ill, waving to and blessing well-wishers from his hospital window following the Angelus prayers. His absence from the weekly midday prayers for the past five weeks has been unprecedented during his papacy. While he has previously appeared publicly from the hospital during past hospitalizations, this stay has been considerably longer.
Although the Vatican has stated that Francis has discontinued the use of an oxygen mask and is improving, speculation regarding his future continues, particularly concerning the possibility of his resignation. While Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin confirmed an improvement in the Pope’s health, he firmly denied any discussion of a potential resignation. The upcoming Easter period, a crucial time in the Christian calendar, raises questions about who will lead religious events if the Pope’s recovery takes longer than anticipated. The Vatican has yet to make any decisions on this matter.
First Piper 