Pope Francis, the head of Catholic Christians, is coming to the public for the first time since being hospitalized on February 14 with respiratory problems. He will wave his hand to bless the faithful from the window of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday (March 23). This news was published in a report by the AFP news agency on Saturday (March 22).

The Vatican said, “Pope Francis intends to wave his hand to bless the faithful from the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome after praying the Angelus.” The 88-year-old pontiff, who was hospitalized, is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs. The pope has stopped using an oxygen mask. Earlier, his breathing has improved after a series of breathing problems.

The pope has been absent from the Angelus prayer for five consecutive weeks for the first time since he was elected in March 2013. The pope usually prays the Angelus prayer every Sunday at noon local time. Last Monday, the Vatican indicated that Francis’ danger had passed. The Vatican has been issuing regular bulletins on the pope’s health while he is in hospital.

Francis had part of his lung removed when he developed an infection as a young man, which put him at increased risk of pneumonia. The pope’s illness and long stay in hospital have raised questions about whether he will manage a busy schedule of religious services ahead of Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar.

Catholics and others around the world are praying for his speedy recovery. Many left flowers, candles and notes for Francis outside the Gemelli hospital.