After spending 5 weeks in the hospital, Pope Francis appeared before Catholic supporters for the first time. Speaking to his followers from the window of the hospital where he stayed, Pope is expected to return to the Vatican to begin his recovery process.

The spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Francis, made his first public appearance 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. He waved and made a thumbs-up gesture to the crowd 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 in wheelchairs brought outside just to catch a glimpse of him. Following his farewell to the hospital staff, Francis is expected to return to the Vatican to begin at least a two-month period of rest, rehabilitation, and recovery. LONGEST HOSPITAL STAY IN HIS 12-YEAR PAPACY The five weeks spent in the hospital marked Francis’ lengthiest hospital stay in his 12-year papal career. His return to his country brought tangible relief to the Vatican and Catholics who anxiously followed his 38-day medical journey. The Pope was “very happy” when he heard from doctors at Gemelli Hospital that he could leave. AT LEAST 2-MONTH RECOVERY PERIOD However, the Pope Francis, who had a part of his lung removed in his youth, is estimated to face “at least a two-month” recovery period. The severe pneumonia that led to his hospitalization posed a life-threatening situation twice. Speculation arose about Pope Francis resigning from his papal duties or holding a funeral.