The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for six weeks with pneumonia in both lungs. He will need to rest in the Vatican for at least two months, his doctors said.

Pope Francis, at 88, faced life-threatening pneumonia and multiple respiratory crises. His condition reached a critical point on February 28. Despite the risks, his medical team, urged by his nurse, chose aggressive treatment.

Before leaving the hospital, the Pope gave a thumbs-up to the crowd after he was wheeled out onto the balcony.