Pope Francis Returns Home to Vatican, Makes 1st Public Appearance

After a 5-week hospital stay that triggered fears of a potential papal resignation, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican Sunday.

But now, two months of rest and recovery prescribed by his doctors begin — just weeks out from Easter Sunday and the holiest days of the Catholic Church's year.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after experiencing bronchitis symptoms. Tests revealed "a complex clinical picture" that saw him diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and later pneumonia in both lungs.

He made his first public appearance Sunday since being admitted, addressing onlookers from a hospital balcony and offering his gratitude.

Francis' life was at risk twice, his doctors said at a Saturday news conference, per an Associated Press' translation. During his months-long recovery, his doctors noted, that he should avoid meeting with big groups.

His medical team also confirmed Francis will still have trouble speaking after sustaining damage to his lungs and respiratory muscles, according to the AP.

He will continue receiving supplemental oxygen and 24-hour care as needed at his home next to St Peter's Basilica.

Francis departed the hospital Sunday, driven in his white Fiat 500L, and traveled to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major before heading to the Vatican.

The basilica, often frequented by Francis for prayer, is where he has chosen to be buried upon his death.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to confirm any of Francis' upcoming events to the AP, but the pontiff's personal physician said he hoped Francis would be well enough to travel to Turkey at the end of May.

He was set to receive King Charles III at the Vatican on April 8, Buckingham Palace announced last week, and Easter this year falls on April 20.

But with continued rehabilitation, his doctors said, he will hopefully be able to resume normal activities soon.