The Vatican has issued a statement saying Pope Francis will be well enough to appear at his hospital window from Rome's Gemelli Hospital to give a blessing on Sunday

Pope Francis has appeared at his window of the Gemelli hospital in Rome and offered a blessing for the first time since being admitted on 14 February. The 88-year-old pontiff was discharged minutes later and doctors say he will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican.

The head of the Catholic Church appeared on a balcony at the Gemelli hospital in Rome and thanked the hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside.