After spending five weeks in the hospital, Pope Francis made his first appearance in front of Catholic supporters. Speaking to his followers from the window of the hospital where he stayed, the Pope is expected to return to the Vatican to begin his recovery process.

The spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Francis, appeared in public for the first time in five weeks after being discharged from the hospital. The 88-year-old Pope addressed Catholics praying for him from the window of Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Pope waved and made a thumbs-up gesture to the crowds gathered below his window, saying, “Thank you, thank you all.”

WAVING TO SUPPORTERS FROM THE WINDOW A large crowd gathered at the main entrance of the hospital, including patients brought out in wheelchairs to catch a glimpse of him. After bidding farewell to the hospital staff, Francis is expected to return to the Vatican to begin at least two months of rest, rehabilitation, and recovery. LONGEST HOSPITAL STAY IN 12-YEAR PAPACY The five weeks spent in the hospital marked the longest hospital stay in Francis’s 12-year papacy career. His return to the Vatican brought a concrete relief for the Vatican and Catholics who followed his 38-day medical ups and downs with concern. Pope was “very happy” when he heard from the doctors at Gemelli Hospital that he could leave. AT LEAST A 2-MONTH RECOVERY PERIOD However, it is estimated that Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed in his youth, is facing “at least a two-month” recovery process. The severe case of pneumonia that led to his hospitalization threatened his life twice. There were speculations about Pope resigning from his long-held papal duties or even a funeral.