Pope Francis to Make Public Appearance on Sunday After Five Weeks
Vatican (Core Reporters) Pope Francis is set to make his first public appearance on Sunday after spending over a month in the hospital recovering from double pneumonia. According to the Vatican press office, the 88-year-old pontiff plans to offer a blessing and greeting to well-wishers from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital at the end of Sunday’s Angelus prayer.
This will be a significant moment, as the pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14, making Sunday his 38th day in the hospital. Although he hasn’t been seen in public for five weeks, the Vatican has released updates, including a short audio message and a photo of him praying in the hospital chapel.
The Vatican reported on Wednesday that the Pope’s condition is improving, and his pneumonia is under control. He no longer requires assisted breathing but is still receiving oxygen.
Despite his prolonged hospital stay, Pope Francis has remained active, approving a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church. The reforms aim to give women greater roles in the Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and increasing the involvement of non-clergy members in governance and decision-making.
However, it’s still unclear when Pope Francis will be released from the hospital or if he’ll be able to participate in Holy Week and Easter celebrations.
