Pope Francis plans to make his first appearance in five weeks tomorrow, offering a blessing from the window of his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
Francis, 88, was admitted to the hospital on 14 February with a severe respiratory infection that has required evolving treatment.
Yesterday, the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office said the Pope is slowly regaining his strength in hospital but must “relearn to speak” after prolonged use of high-flow oxygen therapy.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez dismissed speculation that the pontiff would retire and said he was returning to his old self.
“The pope is doing very well, but high-flow oxygen dries everything…