Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks on March 23, waving from a balcony at Gemelli Hospital in Rome before returning inside.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to a severe lung infection that significantly weakened his health during his 12-year papacy.
Doctors stated on Saturday that the Pope would need “a long time” to fully recover and advised him to rest for another two months at the Vatican.
Francis appeared on the hospital balcony at noon on Sunday, smiling and waving from his wheelchair, which he has used for several years, as supporters gathered outside.
His face appeared swollen, and he remained on the balcony only briefly.
He softly expressed gratitude to a crowd member who brought yellow flowers, speaking in a weak voice.
While this was the first time Catholics had seen the Pope in person since his hospitalization, the Vatican had released a photo last week showing him praying in the hospital chapel.
