Pope Francis is showing “slight improvements” in his recovery from life-threatening pneumonia, the Vatican announced on Friday, raising hopes that the 88-year-old pontiff could make an appearance for the Angelus prayer this Sunday.
Having spent five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Pope was discharged on March 23 to continue his recovery at the Vatican. Doctors initially advised at least two months of rest before he could fully regain his strength.
For the past seven Sundays, Francis has marked the midday Angelus by publishing a written message—however, this weekend’s event may look a bit different. The Vatican hinted that Pope Francis could deliver the prayer from a location other than the usual window of the Apostolic Palace, though more details will be released on Saturday.
The Vatican shared that the Pope has made progress, with improvements in his breathing, motor skills, and voice, which was affected by the pneumonia. His use of oxygen is reportedly decreasing, and recent blood tests have shown a slight improvement in his condition.
Though the Pope has only been seen publicly once since his hospitalization, he has been following events remotely, including a sermon on Friday and a mass marking the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death.
With Easter approaching, the Vatican said it’s still too early to say whether Pope Francis will participate in any events surrounding the most sacred time of the Christian calendar, which this year falls on April 20.
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