Pope Francis leaves hospital after five-week battle with pneumonia
Abdullateef Fowewe
Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, 23 March after a five-week hospitalisation for pneumonia, marking his first public appearance since February.
The 88-year-old pontiff left the hospital shortly after briefly acknowledging a waiting crowd.
He waved from a hospital window before addressing hundreds of well-wishers gathered below.
The pope’s health had been a major concern in recent months, and his hospitalization sparked global prayers and messages of support.
This was made known in a video shared on X (formally Twitter) by Catholic Arena.
Francis thereby appreciated everyone from the support so far.
“Thank you, everyone,” he said in a weak voice through a microphone while seated in a wheelchair.
