In brief
The health condition of Pope Francis has shown improvement, yet he may need to relearn speaking abilities due to extended oxygen therapy.
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is anticipated to leave the Gemelli Hospital this Sunday after an extensive battle with double pneumonia that lasted over five weeks. Doctors revealed that while the pontiff's condition has improved, he will require a significant period of rest, specifically two months, at the Vatican post-discharge.The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis has only appeared publicly once since being hospitalized on February 14, offering a glimpse of him praying in a hospital chapel through a photo released last week. Officials noted on Friday that while the Pope's health is stabilizing, he might face challenges with his speech. Cardinal Victor Fernandez explained that due to the high-flow oxygen therapy that the pope has undergone, he may need to "relearn to speak." Fernandez emphasized, however, that the Pope's physical condition overall remains as it was prior to his hospitalization.Currently, the Vatican confirms that Pope Francis is no longer reliant on mechanical ventilation for nighttime breathing, and has transitioned to receiving oxygen through a small tube under his nose. His daytime requirements for high-flow oxygen have also decreased. Earlier this month, an audio clip of the pontiff thanking the faithful in Spanish was shared in St. Peter's Square, though his voice was notably breathless.Amidst speculation regarding his future, including comparisons to his predecessor Benedict XVI, Cardinal Fernandez dismissed any notions of the Pope resigning from his papacy. When questioned about his potential discharge in time for Easter on April 20, the Cardinal stated uncertainty.For nearly 12 years, Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic Church, enduring various health challenges throughout his life, including a lung surgery at age 21 which left him more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
