The Pope appeared in public for the first time after his hospitalization

Pope Francis, who was hospitalized in mid-February, addressed the faithful for the first time in five weeks. The live broadcast of his appearance in public on March 23 was conducted by the Vatican News portal.

In the footage, the 88-year-old pontiff appeared on the balcony of one of the windows of Rome's Agostino Gemelli hospital for a traditional Sunday blessing. After that, Francis was discharged from the medical facility, but his voice is still weakened after intensive oxygen therapy.

"Thank you all," he said, addressing the audience.

Several hundred people gathered in front of the hospital. Several hundred more believers gathered in St. Peter's Square, where a broadcast from a medical facility was conducted on large screens.

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Earlier, on March 19, it was reported that Pope Francis no longer needs ventilation at night, and that 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.