2 weeks Ago By Clément Melki
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican after five weeks in hospital with pneumonia. He will need at least two months of convalescence and physiotherapy at home. Speculation about his possible resignation was dismissed by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Pope Francis returned home to the Vatican on Sunday (overnight NZ time) after more than five weeks in hospital with pneumonia , taking time before leaving to thank well-wishers for their support. Looking tired and worn, the 88-year-old Catholic leader waved to a crowd outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital from a balcony, the first time he has been seen in public since he was admitted on February 14. “Thank you, everyone,” a weak-sounding Francis said into a microphone, seated in a wheelchair, as hundreds of pilgrims chanted his name.
He waved his hands from his lap, doing an occasional thumbs-up sign, and drew laughter when he noted, smiling: “I can see that woman with yellow flowers, well done.”.
