Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks on Sunday, greeting well-wishers from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital before his departure. The 88-year-old pontiff had been hospitalized on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection, which became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

During his brief appearance, Pope Francis, who has used a wheelchair for several years, smiled and waved at the crowd below. His face appeared swollen, and his voice was faint as he thanked a member of the crowd who had brought yellow flowers. This moment marked only the second time the pope had been seen in public during his hospital stay, following a photo released last week showing him praying in the hospital chapel.

Pope Francis appears in public for the first time in five weeks, ahead of his discharge from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy March 23, 2025. Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Pope Francis’ doctors indicated that it will take “a lot of time” for his body to fully heal, prescribing an additional two months of rest at the Vatican. Despite the ongoing recovery process, the pope appeared in good spirits, acknowledging his supporters with a brief message.

According to BBC reports, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors treating Pope Francis, revealed that during the past five weeks, the pontiff endured “two very critical episodes” where his “life was in danger.” However, Dr. Alfieri emphasized that the Pope was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout his treatment. While the Pope is not yet fully healed, he no longer has pneumonia and is now in stable condition.

Throughout his life, Pope Francis has faced several health challenges, including the removal of part of one of his lungs at age 21, which has made him more susceptible to infections. Despite these ongoing struggles, he has continued to lead the Roman Catholic Church for the past 12 years.

Faithful gather, as Pope Francis makes his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day he is set to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Vincenzo Livieri

His return to public life marks a hopeful step in his recovery, as the faithful and global community await his full return to health.

Pope Francis waves as he leaves Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY