Pope Francis makes first public appearance upon hospital release

Pope Francis has left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after more than five weeks, making a brief public appearance before his discharge on Sunday.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia, will spend the next two months resting at the Vatican.

Emerging in a wheelchair, Francis smiled and waved to supporters gathered outside.

Stay up to date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

A motorcade transported him through Rome, bypassing the Vatican as he made his way to St Mary Major Basilica. Crowds lined the streets, chanting his name and cheering his return.

During his hospital stay, Francis was seen publicly only once before, in a Vatican-released photo showing him praying in the chapel.

The pope was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, marking one of the most serious health challenges of his papacy.

Doctors have urged him to rest and avoid large gatherings or strenuous engagements.

“A convalescence period of at least two months is crucial,” said Sergio Alfieri, the head of his medical team.

Francis experienced four acute respiratory crises in hospital, two of which Alfieri described as life-threatening. While doctors confirm he is no longer battling pneumonia, they warn that he is still recovering from a complex infection.

Before he appeared on the hospital balcony, hundreds of supporters assembled outside, chanting and calling his name.

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.