The 88-year-old pontiff will require at least two months of rest, rehabilitation and convalescence at the Vatican He has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 for a severe case of pneumonia in both lungs. Doctors say he should be able to resume normal activities.

Pope Francis will be released from the hospital on Sunday after 38 days battling a severe case of pneumonia in both lungs that threatened his life on two occasions when he suffered acute respiratory crises,

Two of Pope Francis’ closest advisers are predicting that he will recover from pneumonia and that a “new stage” in his pontificate will open after he is released