Manila, March 24 -- Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after spending 38 days at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was treated for pneumonia-the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff now faces a two-month convalescence following the major scare, which twice left doctors fearing for his life.

The ordeal also sparked speculation about a possible resignation-rumors that Vatican aides have firmly denied.

Before heading back to his residence at Casa Santa Marta, the pope appeared at the window of his hospital room to greet the faithful for the traditional Sunday Angelus.

On his way home, he made a stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he laid a bouquet of flowers and o...