PROSPECT HEIGHTS —  Pope Francis was released from a Rome hospital on Sunday, March 23 after a five-week stay during which he battled a life-threatening case of double pneumonia.

The Holy Father appeared on the balcony of his hospital suite at Gemelli Hospital just prior to his release.

Pope Francis did not deliver his weekly Angelus from the balcony, but the Vatican released a written message from him.

“In this long period of my hospitalization, I had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of the doctors and health care workers, as well as the care and hopes of the relatives of the sick,” the message read.

“This trusting patience, anchored in God’s unfailing love, is indeed necessary in our lives, especially when facing the most difficult and painful situations,” the pope added.

Doctors treating the Holy Father at Gemelli Hospital announced on Saturday, March 22 their intention to release him the following day, citing the improvement in his health.

“Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be at home,” Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the hospital’s medical director, said in a media briefing on Saturday.

But Dr. Alfieri also stated that the 88-year-old pontiff would still need at least two months of rest and rehabilitation before he could resume a normal work schedule.

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 with a severe case of bronchitis. 

Doctors first diagnosed him with a bacterial respiratory infection and later, with pneumonia in both lungs. Tests also showed anemia and the onset of kidney failure. He received two blood transfusions.

The Holy Father battled through setbacks during the following weeks, including a coughing fit on Feb. 28 that required placing him on a ventilation mask to help him breathe. He suffered additional respiratory complications in the following days and had to wear the ventilation mask at night.

In recent weeks, however, Pope Francis showed improvement to the point where he was taken off the nighttime ventilator.

The Holy Father’s appearance on the balcony of his 10th floor hospital suite on Sunday marked his first live appearance since he was admitted on Feb. 14, although the Vatican did release an audio message from him on March 6 in which he thanked the faithful for their prayers. 

On March 16, the Vatican released a photo of the pope concelebrating Mass in the hospital chapel.