Pope Francis to be released from the hospital

Pope Francis is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital on Sunday, his doctors at Gemelli Hospital said Saturday.

Francis, 88, was hospitalized for bronchitis on February 14 and stayed for more than five weeks. At times, the pope was in critical condition and required high-flow oxygen therapy, according to the Vatican.

Addressing reporters outside of the hospital, the pope’s doctors said that he has been stable for at least two weeks now and will be under a “protected discharge,” which will require ongoing medications and a period of rest “for at least two months.”

“We have prepared to welcome him home,” Dr. Luigi Carbone said.

Francis, who has chronic lung disease, has battled ongoing health issues in recent years. Throughout his illness, the Vatican has maintained that Francis has carried out his duties. However, he has remained out of the public eye for weeks.