New Delhi, March 23 -- Pope Francis made a public appearance for the first time, on Sunday, March 23, after being hospitalised for five weeks. He addressed throngs of well-wishers gathered outside.

Before departing from Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis gave a thumbs up and thanked the crowd as he was wheeled onto the balcony overlooking the main entrance.

Hundreds of people had gathered on the sunny morning to bid him farewell, reported AFP.

Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday, March 23, after over a month. The 88-year-old was admitted on February 14 with breathing difficulties which turned into pneumonia.

The head of the Catholic Church was seen waving from the closed window of the front seat as he drove ...