Noticias País, Rome, Italy — After more than a month without being seen in public, Pope Francis is preparing to break his silence from the Gemelli Hospital, where he has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a serious respiratory condition diagnosed as double pneumonia.
This Sunday, marking his 38th day in the hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff is expected to address the faithful with a special blessing and public greeting at the end of the Angelus prayer, according to the Vatican press office.
Although he has been absent from public view for the past five weeks, the pope has not been completely silent. The Holy See has shared short audio messages and a recent photo showing him praying in the hospital chapel, maintaining his spiritual presence even in physical absence.
This has been his longest hospital stay since being elected leader of the Catholic Church twelve years ago. During his recovery, his health has shown steady improvement, according to the most recent medical update released on Wednesday. The lung infection is now under control, and although he continues to receive oxygen, he no longer requires assisted breathing.
Amid this unexpected pause, the pope made headlines last week by approving an ambitious three-year reform process for the Church, reaffirming that despite health challenges, he remains fully committed to his role. The reform includes greater involvement of women, the discussion of their ordination as deacons, and broader inclusion of non-clergy members in Church governance.
Now, all eyes are on the possibility of his hospital release, although the Vatican has not confirmed any date. With Holy Week and Easter approaching, questions remain about whether he will be able to personally participate in the key religious ceremonies of the season.
Meanwhile, the anticipated visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the Vatican, scheduled for next month, is still on track, potentially marking another significant moment of global spiritual diplomacy.