VATICAN CITY (AFP) – Pope Francis is scheduled to make his first public appearance on Sunday following his admission to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs, will offer a blessing and wave from the hospital after the Angelus prayers, according to a Vatican statement released on Saturday.

This appearance marks the end of a five-week absence from reciting the Angelus prayers, a first for Pope Francis since his election in March 2013. The Angelus prayers are traditionally led by the Pope at midday (1100 GMT) every Sunday. The pontiff has previously made public appearances from the Gemelli hospital, notably on July 11, 2021, when he recited the Angelus prayer from the hospital balcony after undergoing colon surgery.

Francis's current hospitalization is the longest of his papacy, leading to speculation about who will oversee the religious events leading up to Easter, a crucial period in the Christian calendar. The Vatican's press office stated on Wednesday that no firm decisions have been made regarding this matter. However, they also noted that the Pope has discontinued the use of an oxygen mask, indicating an improvement in his clinical condition.

Throughout the Pope’s hospital stay, the Vatican has been providing daily updates on his health, particularly during critical stages. It is worth noting that Pope Francis had a part of one lung removed when he was younger. Despite the signs of improvement, there has been speculation about the possibility of him stepping down due to his fragility, similar to his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin mentioned to reporters on Monday that he observed an improvement in the Pope's health during a visit. When questioned about the possibility of the Pope's resignation, he dismissed it entirely. Catholics worldwide have been offering prayers for his swift recovery, with many leaving flowers, candles, and messages of support outside the Gemelli hospital.

CNN reports that the Pope's appearance will be a greeting to the public from Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia. Sunday marks the 38th day since he was admitted. The Vatican will release the written text of the Pope’s remarks, as has been the practice in the past.

While the Pope has been out of public view, his presence has been maintained through the release of a short audio message and a photo showing him praying at the hospital’s chapel. The Vatican indicated that his pneumonia is under control, and he is no longer requiring assisted breathing, though he continues to receive oxygen.

Last week, Pope Francis approved a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, signaling his intent to remain in his position despite his hospitalization. These reforms include giving greater roles to women, including the possibility of ordaining them as deacons, and increasing the involvement of non-clergy members in governance and decision-making.

Details regarding the Pope's release from the hospital have not been disclosed, and it remains uncertain whether he will be discharged in time for Holy Week and Easter.

Vatican News reports that members of Pope Francis' medical team will address journalists from Rome's Gemelli hospital on Saturday evening, marking only the second time such a briefing has occurred since his hospitalization last month. The briefing, scheduled for 6pm CET, will be held in the atrium of the hospital. The briefing will be in Italian with no simultaneous translation into English, although doctors did speak briefly in English at the last press conference on February 21. The briefing will be available on the Vatican News website and YouTube channel.