Prevailing through a grim set of diagnoses, Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital Sunday, five weeks after he was admitted for a complex lung infection that included bronchitis and double pneumonia.

The Holy Father greeted the faithful from a hospital balcony Sunday morning. Appearing frail but cheerful, it was the Pope’s first public appearance in two months.

“I see a woman with yellow flowers. Brava!” he exclaimed, before giving the crowd a thumbs up and sign of the cross.

The crowd erupted in chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco.”

The Vatican said Francis left the hospital in his white Fiat 500L and headed to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to pray. He was expected to return to his home at Casa Santa Marta, where doctors said he would need to convalesce for two months, resting and receiving additional medical treatment.

Admitted on February 14, Pope Francis experienced a severe respiratory crisis, necessitating high-flow supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions due to anemia and a low platelet count.

Pope Francis has a history of lung issues, having had part of one lung removed during his youth due to pleurisy.

Determined to recover, the Vatican signaled resignation was not on the table and Francis is intent on returning to his regular papal duties in the coming months.

 

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