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Pope Francis will be discharged tomorrow and return to Santa Marta for convalescence

The Pontiff, hospitalised for bilateral pneumonia, will be discharged tomorrow from the Gemelli Hospital after 37 days of treatment. He will continue his convalescence at Santa Marta, with rest and respiratory therapies

Pope Francis will be discharged tomorrow from the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was hospitalised for 37 days due to severe bilateral pneumonia. Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team that followed the Pontiff, confirmed that Bergoglio will return to his residence in Santa Marta to continue his convalescence period.

The Pope’s health condition

Alfieri said that at the time of his admission, the Pope was suffering from acute respiratory failure due to a polymicrobial infection, caused by viruses, bacteria and mycetes, which led to bilateral pneumonia. During his hospital stay, Pope went through two critical life-threatening moments, but thanks to drug therapies, unassisted mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen, he showed steady improvement.

The post-hospital course and convalescence

‘The Pope was never intubated, he always remained alert and lucid,’ Alfieri stressed. The most serious infections have been defeated and the pneumonia has been cured, but a long period of rest will be necessary. At Santa Marta, the Pontiff will continue respiratory therapy, with the help of oxygen and under the supervision of the Vatican Health Directorate.

Rest and recovery of voice

Alfieri explained that the damage to his lungs and respiratory muscles has affected the Pope’s voice, which has been reduced. His full recovery will take time, and he is expected to rest for at least two months before the Pontiff can resume public engagements.

A protected discharge

Luigi Carbone, Pope Francis’ personal physician, confirmed that the Pontiff did not have Covid and does not suffer from diabetes. The Vatican Health Department will ensure continuous monitoring at Santa Marta, where Francis will convalesce with a controlled regime to avoid flare-ups or new infections.

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