Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance After Hospitalization, Faces Two Months of Rest

Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance After Hospitalization

Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks on Sunday, waving from a balcony at Rome's Gemelli hospital before being discharged. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia, appeared in a wheelchair and smiled and waved at the gathered crowd.

Despite his frail appearance, the Pope spoke briefly, thanking a woman who had brought him yellow flowers. He then departed in a motorcade, heading to St. Mary Major basilica, where he traditionally goes to pray after foreign visits.

The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting "Viva il papa!" and "Papa Francesco." This was only the second time the public had seen Francis since his hospitalization on February 14th.

While Francis has returned to the Vatican, his doctors have advised him to rest for two months. He will avoid large group meetings and strenuous activities as he recovers from the "complex" infection that caused his hospitalization.

The Pope's medical team confirmed that he is no longer suffering from pneumonia, but the infection involved several microorganisms and requires further healing time. During his hospitalization, Francis experienced four critical "respiratory crises" and was, according to his doctors, "in danger of his life."

Despite the health scare, the Pope's appearance was met with joy and relief by the gathered crowd, who expressed their well wishes and support for their leader.