Pope Francis on Sunday was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection.
Before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis waved from the balcony of the hospital – his first public appearance in five weeks.
Using a wheelchair, as he has for several years, the pope smiled and waved at a group of well-wishers gathered outside below.
“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a tired-looking Francis told a woman. He gave a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside, according to the Associated Press.
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, which evolved into a serious health crisis.
