Pope Francis is set to make a triumphant return to public view this Sunday after a record month-long hospital stay, just in time to wave goodbye to his assisted breathing apparatus.

After battling double pneumonia and a series of health hiccups that had him hospital-bound since February 14, the Pope is emerging just in time to reclaim his spot at the Angelus prayer—though the big question remains: will he have the energy to bless the crowd or will his recovery celebration involve a dramatic wave from his hospital bed? With his pneumonia under control and no longer needing assisted breathing, the pontiff's return not only highlights his resilience but also his determination to keep the blessings flowing, especially alongside his recent push for reforms to boost women's roles in the Catholic Church.

For those who may have lost track of time, Pope Francis has been laying low in Gemelli Hospital for five weeks, marking his longest hospital stay since taking on the papal throne. During this time, he missed delivering his traditional Sunday Angelus prayers, achieving the rare distinction of almost being as unseen as a white priest in the winter. Perhaps the only thing harder to track than this elusive Pope has been the exact state of his health, which has included various ups and downs, like respiratory crises and mild kidney failure, reminiscent of a seasoned roller coaster ride.

News from the Vatican is more cheerful today, however, as they reported that Francis' pneumonia is now under control. Though his hospital stay felt like an extended episode of a reality show that no one knew was on, the public can finally anticipate a real-life take on 'The Pope Returns.' The Vatican disclosed that Francis no longer requires assisted breathing, meaning come Sunday, fans can expect more than just a polite nod in their direction.

Though the Pope's health has cast a somber cloud over recent weeks, there have been glimmers of hope peeking through. The Vatican even shared an audio message featuring Francis praying at the hospital chapel, giving followers a brief glimpse into his spiritual state away from the public eye. One can only imagine how many heavenly playlists he curated while recovering. As his hospital room likely became more familiar than the papal suite, one must wonder whether he ever had a chance to inquire about hospital food options. After all, miracles can come in many forms, including an edible hospital meal.

Strangely, the Pope's recent hibernation coincided not only with his own health struggles but also with his recent approvals of significant reforms within the Catholic Church. This power move included plans to increase women's roles and encourage non-clergy participation in governance—a notable departure from past practices reminiscent of an exclusive gentlemen's club. Perhaps taking a timeout in the hospital was precisely what Francis needed to think about how to evolve traditions that were beginning to feel as stale as leftover holiday fruitcake.

Now, with Pope Francis set to re-emerge during the Angelus prayer, the question on everyone's mind (besides whether he’ll still prefer pizza over papal crowning ceremonies) is how he will connect with the population that has prayed for him from both afar and nearby. Will he muster enough energy for a classic wave, or might we witness a masterclass in minimalist blessings? Based on reports, the pontiff's appearance will occur at the end of the Angelus—probably right after he wrestles with the desire to show off his newfound strength compared to his hospital stay’s limitations.

As observers speculate about Pope Francis’ ability to engage with his audience physically, there are whispers that his health situation could affect his participation in upcoming Holy Week events. Given that the timing of this unveiling will be as critical as a final exam, the world holds its breath. Will he emerge as the adored spiritual leader revitalized by good health, or will there be a delay in his return augmenting his already strained relationship with the clock?

Ultimately, no matter how he swings back into public life, one fact remains certain: Pope Francis plans to make his first public appearance since he was hospitalized more than a month ago on Sunday. The past weeks have shown that even a Pope can take a health hiatus without being totally forgotten. With the reforms still fresh in his mind alongside the prayers offered from the public, one can only hope his recovery continues on an upward trajectory, allowing him to imbue the faithful with good health and renewed vigor.