Pope Francis made an appearance on Sunday when he offered a blessing to a congregation gathered under a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. This marks his first public outing in over five weeks. The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was seen waving from the balcony and giving a thumbs up to the crowd. Since February 14, he has been receiving treatment at the hospital due to a severe respiratory infection.

The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting “Long live the pope!” and “Pope Francis” as they welcomed his appearance. Following the blessing, the pope was discharged from the hospital and was seen waving from the window of a car while wearing an oxygen delivery device.

According to his doctors, the pope’s recovery will require “a lot of time,” recommending a two-month period of rest and convalescence at the Vatican.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/pope-francis-released-from-hospital-after-weeks-long-illness/a-72010412?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf