Pope Francis leaves the hospital after a 5-week hospital stay

Papa Francis waved hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital in Rome on Sunday as Pontiff has left the hospital After survival by the life threat of pneumonia.

In his first public appearance in five weeks, he said 88-year-old Pope “Thank you all,” while he gave his thumbs and admitted the crowd after the wheel with a balcony overlooking the main entry of the building.

Appear “Viva Il Dad!” And “Dad Francesco” broke out of the crowd.

His appearance came a few minutes before the motorcycle was transported by Francis, Sunday Sunday near the Vatican before heading for a nearby church.

Protective guardians told the associated press that Francis headed to the larger Basilica of St. Mary, where his favorite Icon of Madonna and where he always prays after the external visit.

Once in the Vatican Francis will begin two months of rest and reconstruction while continuing its rehabilitation at home.

Argentine Pope, which has a chronic pulmonary disease and had part of one lungs removed as a young man, he was Received to the hospital 14. February 14. After Bronchitis made it difficult to speak. Doctors at Gemelli hospital in Rome were shortly diagnosed by Francis with double pneumonia.

The first three weeks of his hospitalization was marked by a rollercoaster for nišanje, including Respiratory crises, Mild kidney failure And a strong cough fit, who forced the doctors to put Francis on a mechanical ventilation mask.

“During his hospitalization, he presented two critical episodes during which the life of the Holy Father was in danger,” said Gemelli Medical Director Dr Sergio Alfieri on Saturday night. “After that he sent a dispute, but progressive improvements.”

Alfieri said Francis would continue the drugs “for a long time and watches at least two months of rest” after his discharge.

“We prepared the necessary help on the Vatican and we are ready to return it to Santa March,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone, Pope Personal Doctor, adding: “We hope to return to your normal activity in a short period.”

Although from the public standing for weeks, the Pope split a Recorded message At the beginning of March, thanks to the people on their prayers for his recovery. Message – which pointed out Francis weak and hard voice – played in St. Peter’s square for faithful gathered for night reckt of ružar prayer. Vatican also He posted a photo of Pope in prayer.

During the hospital stay, the church celebrated 12. anniversary Francis parrot with mass in his honor.