CLO) Pope Francis is expected to make his first public appearance on Sunday (March 23) after five weeks in hospital, according to an announcement from the Vatican

The Pope was hospitalized on February 14 with a serious respiratory infection, requiring ongoing treatment with methods that vary according to his health condition.
Pope Francis may appear in public today photo 1Pope Francis. Photo: GI

During his hospital stay, the Pope appeared only once, in a photo released by the Vatican last week, showing him praying in the hospital chapel.

“The Pope wishes to appear at the hospital window around noon on Sunday, to greet and impart his blessing,” the Vatican said in a brief statement on Saturday.

Traditionally, the Pope presides over a prayer service in St. Peter’s Square every Sunday at noon. However, since February 9, before he was hospitalized, he has not been able to perform this ritual.

This is not the first time Pope Francis has had health issues. He has dealt with a number of ailments in recent years, including bronchitis, knee problems, and had colon surgery in 2021.

His upcoming appearance could help ease concerns from the global Catholic community about the Pope’s health, as the Vatican prepares for a series of important events around Easter.