Pope Francis leaves hospital after making first public appearance in 5 weeks

Doctor says the pope's ageing body still needs 'a lot of time' to recover fully

Pope Francis waves during his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day he is set to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, March 23. © Reuters

March 23, 2025 20:32 JST

Updated on March 23, 2025 20:43 JST

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -- Pope Francis left Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday following a five-week stay to be treated for pneumonia, making his first public appearance since February 14 by waving to well-wishers from a balcony moments before he was discharged.

Francis, 88, went to hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.