Pope Francis was on Sunday released from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after more than a month’s stay in the facility amid series of health challenges.
Before returning to Casa Santa Marta, after his discharge from the hospital, Pope Francis was taken to the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and delivered flowers to place before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani.
He then finally returned to the Vatican.
Before departing the clinic, he appeared on a fifth-floor balcony, offering a brief greeting and blessing to a chanting crowd of the faithful that gathered below.
The window greeting marks his first public engagement in weeks after a 38-day hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia and other conditions.
The text of his Angelus reflection is distributed in written form as it has been in recent weeks.
The 88-year-old pontiff reflects on the day’s Gospel reading about the barren fig tree, noting how his own hospital stay has allowed him to “experience the patience of the Lord” reflected in the care of medical staff.
Pope Francis also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expresses hope for the newly agreed peace accord between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Officials confirmed on Saturday the pontiff will continue convalescing at his Casa Santa Marta apartment for at least two months, requiring ongoing oxygen therapy during his recovery.
