Pope Francis

After 38 days hospitalized with pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff made his first public appearance on Sunday from the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, just before returning to Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City

There is no official word on when Pope Francis might return to the Vatican. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20, his discharge remains uncertain

The pope also marked the 12th anniversary of his election while in the hospital last Thursday, underscoring his dedication to his role even in the face of significant health challenges

The Pope's hospitalization has been marked by cautious optimism from his medical team

According to Reuters, although his condition had appeared to stabilize over the weekend, Monday's developments have led doctors to maintain a “guarded” prognosis, meaning the pope remains in a fragile state

On his tenth day in the hospital with double pneumonia, Pope Francis remains alert and well-oriented while continuing high-flow oxygen therapy

Sister Simona Brambilla’s appointment is a historic step toward greater inclusivity in the Catholic Church’s leadership.

The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously expressed a hope for the establishment of a joint celebration with the Catholic Church