Pope Francis is expected to be released from the hospital before his first scheduled public appearance on Sunday since becoming ill.

The Vatican announced the first public appearance on Saturday.

The 88-year-old has been fighting double pneumonia since he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14.

The pope's doctors at Gemelli Hospital told the press he would be released on Sunday.

The Vatican said the pope "intends to wave and offer blessing" from outside of the hospital following the Angelus prayers on Sunday