As previously announced by the Vatican, Pope Francis was discharged on Sunday, March 23, in the morning after spending 38 days in Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory infection. This marked his first public appearance following his medical care and observation.

Pope Francis was released from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been battling double pneumonia for the past five weeks, on Sunday, returning to the Vatican where he will continue his recovery.

By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -After 38 days in hospital battling double pneumonia almost entirely out of sight, Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since February 14 and returned to the Vatican.