Pope Francis Discharged After First Public Appearance in Weeks

Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after spending more than five weeks under care for a severe respiratory infection.

Earlier in the day, the 88-year-old pontiff made his first public appearance since his February 14 admission, waving and smiling at well-wishers from a hospital balcony. He was later seen leaving in a wheelchair.

Doctors have called it the most serious health crisis of his papacy and have recommended two more months of rest at the Vatican to support his recovery.