Dr. Surzo Alfieri of Gemelli Hospital stated at a press conference that the Pope will return to Santa Marta’s house [Vatican residence] tomorrow. He advised the pontiff to rest for at least two months and to limit strenuous activities and large gatherings.

The Pope’s medical team provided their first media briefing in the past week, since March 21.

Pope Francis was admitted to gemelli Hospital on March 14 after experiencing bronchitis earlier in the month. A chest CT scan confirmed pneumonia on both sides. His condition initially deteriorated after hospitalization.

The pontiff experienced shortness of breath several times,but his condition has recently improved.He will return to the Vatican after a 37-day hospital stay.

Dr. Alfieri noted that two of the four instances of shortness of breath were severe enough to be considered life-threatening.

The Pope reportedly lost a small amount of weight during his hospitalization. I didn’t measure my weight correctly, but I lost weight, the Pope said, according to Dr. Alfieri.

Dr. Luigi Carbonene, deputy director of the Vatican Medical Service, said the pope will continue to receive nursing care after returning to the Vatican.

Earlier, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni announced that the Pope woudl appear at the Gemelli Hospital at noon on Sunday to greet and bless believers.

This hospitalization marks the longest period Pope Francis has been admitted since his coronation. The only glimpse of the Pope during this time was a prayer photo released by the Vatican on March 16.

Traditionally,Pope Francis appears at the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace every Sunday to lead the Angelus prayer for believers gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

However, he was unable to lead the prayer on the last sunday of February due to pneumonia. Sunday’s Angelus prayer will also be delivered in writing, marking six consecutive weeks of absence.

Sources report that this hospitalization represents the most serious health crisis of the Pope’s 12-year papacy and the longest absence from public view since his crowning in 2013.

The Pope expressed his gratitude to the Archdiocese of Napoli and other parishes at Gemelli Hospital.

In a message, he stated, I have been greatly comforted through your warm interest and prayer in recent days. Even though I can’t be with you myself, I feel great joy in the fact that you are connected in God.

cardinal Domenico read the message at a Mass at St. Peter’s Square.

Due to the medical staff’s proposal for at least two months of rest, it remains uncertain whether the Pope will be able to fulfill his scheduled official duties.

The Pope is scheduled to meet with King Charles III at the Vatican on April 8 and to celebrate Easter Mass on April 20. However, Vatican spokesman Bruni stated that a decision on whether these events will proceed will be made later.