Pope Francis has been released from the hospital after recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia.
In his first public appearance since his admission to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, he appeared on a public balcony to bless the gathered crowd.
The Pope is now heading back to the Vatican, where a crowd is waiting for his return.
“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a weary-looking Francis said from the hospital balcony before his discharge.
He waved, gave a thumbs up, and made a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside.
From the crowd, which included patients who had been brought outside to catch his brief appearance, chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco” could be heard.
The blessing took place shortly before he was released to return home to the Vatican, where he will spend the next two months resting and recovering.
Pope Francis waves as he leaves Gemelli Hospital. Pic: Reuters
Doctors had previously announced his release, noting that the pope should avoid large gatherings or strenuous activities but should be able to return to all regular activities in time.
His departure marks the end of a 38-day stay at the hospital, which is the longest of his 12-year papacy, and the second-longest in recent history.
Upon return, he will have access to supplemental oxygen and continuous medical care as needed.
“I feel immense happiness today,” stated Dr Rossella Russomando, a physician from Salerno who, despite not treating Francis, was present at Gemelli on Sunday. “This is evidence that our collective prayers from all over the world have been effective.”
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