23 Mar, 13:22

Pope Francis appears in public for the first time in five weeks

Several hundred people gathered in front of the hospital, and the Vatican News portal broadcast the event live

ROME, March 23. /TASS/. Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks.

He appeared on the hospital’s balcony of one of the windows of Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital for the traditional Sunday blessing after which he was discharged from hospital.

Several hundred people gathered in front of the hospital, and the Vatican News portal broadcast the event live. At the same time, several hundred people gathered in St. Peter's Square, where they could watch the broadcast on large screens.

"Thank you all," said Francis, whose voice is weakened after intensive oxygen therapy.

The day before, his attending doctors announced his discharge from hospital where he was treated from double pneumonia.

Nevertheless, the 88-year-old Francis has been prescribed two months of rest. Further treatment, in particular to restore his voice, will take place at his residence, the Vatican's Santa Martha Hotel. His activities should be significantly limited.

The pontific was taken to hospital On February 14. During his hospitalization, the Pope had several respiratory attacks, two of which were life-threatening, doctors said at a press conference on Saturday.

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Vatican Pope Francis

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