Pope Francis made his first public appearance in more than five weeks on Sunday, waving from a balcony at Rome's Gemelli hospital before being discharged.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on 14 February with a severe respiratory infection, marking the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
Doctors said on Saturday that it would still take “a lot of time” for his ageing body to fully recover, and have prescribed a further two months of rest at the Vatican.
Francis appeared on a balcony at the hospital shortly after noon on Sunday. Using a wheelchair, as he has for several years, he smiled and waved to a group of well-wishers gathered below.
The Pope, whose face appeared swollen, made only a brief appearance. He spoke softly to thank a member of the crowd who had brought yellow flowers.
Until Sunday, the only public glimpse of Francis during his hospital stay had been a photo released by the Vatican last week, showing him praying in the hospital chapel.
