Pope Francis will make his first public appearance after his illness on March 23.

Pope Francis will speak in public for the first time in five weeks on Sunday, March 23, after long-term treatment for pneumonia. This was reported on March 22 by the Reuters news agency with reference to the Vatican.

So, the pontiff will pronounce a blessing from the window of his room at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

It is noted that the Pope was last seen last week during prayer in the hospital chapel.

"The Pope has a very warm attitude towards Russia"

Artist Nikas Safronov - about the audience with Francis I, the future exhibition in the Vatican and the paintings of itinerant artists in the pontiff's chambers

Earlier, on March 19, it was reported that Pope Francis no longer needs ventilation at night, and there are other improvements. It was noted that progress was observed against the background of motor and respiratory physiotherapy.

The Holy See's press service announced the pope's hospitalization on February 14. On February 18, he was diagnosed with the onset of bilateral pneumonia, and on February 22, the pope needed a blood transfusion. On March 3, it was reported that Francis suffered two attacks of acute respiratory failure. On March 8, the Vatican announced that the pontiff's condition had begun to improve.

On March 10, it became known that Francis had overcome a critical phase, and a steady improvement in his condition was recorded. At the same time, the Holy See reported that the pope needs to continue his treatment in a hospital for the next few days.