Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being hospitalized in Rome more than five weeks ago. Credit: Franco Origlia / Getty

The 88-year-old pontiff was seen at the window of his 10th-floor suite at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he’s been receiving treatment for a serious respiratory infection since mid-February.

Sitting in a wheelchair, the Pope was helped to the balcony where he greeted hundreds gathered outside.

“Thank you to everyone,” he told the crowd, before adding: “[T]o all … and I see woman with yellow flowers …. She is ‘brava,’ good,” his voice faint through a microphone, as translated by ABC News.

Despite his weakened condition, he managed to lift a thumbs-up, raise a small victory fist, and make the sign of the cross — though the movement in his upper arms was limited.

He remained at the window for under two minutes before being wheeled away. Moments later, he departed for Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, where he will begin a two-month recovery.

Pope Francis spoke to the crowd during his first public appearance in five weeks. Credit: Alessandra Benedetti – Corbis /Getty

The Pope’s appearance came 38 days after he was first hospitalized on February 14, when a case of bronchitis took a dangerous turn.

Doctors soon diagnosed him with a severe respiratory infection involving bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, which progressed to pneumonia in both lungs.

According to Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Pope’s physician, Francis had been anxious to leave the hospital. “For three or four days he’s been asking when he can go home, so he’s very happy,” Carbone said, per The New York Post.

Medical staff have ordered a full two-month rehabilitation period for the Pope, who has a history of lung issues, including the removal of part of one lung in his youth.

This latest hospitalization is the longest of his papacy and the second-longest in modern Vatican records.

Before departing the hospital, the Pope shared reflections from his recovery during his Sunday Angelus message.

“I have had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of the doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the care and hopes of the relatives of the sick,” he said, per The Guardian. “This trusting patience, anchored in God’s unfailing love, is indeed necessary in our lives, especially when facing the most difficult and painful situations.”

He used his address to denounce Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza, calling for an “immediate halt to the weapons and for the courage to resume dialogue so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached.”

He also urged people to pray “for an end to wars and for peace, especially in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo”.

According to La Repubblica, Francis had insisted on returning to his residence, despite needing continued rest and care.

The Pope will undergo two months of rehabilitation at the Vatican. Credit: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

“The hope is that he will soon be able to resume a work schedule,” Alfieri said. However, he cautioned that the pope would not immediately be able to meet groups of people.

It remains uncertain whether his scheduled audience with King Charles and Queen Camilla on April 8 will still go ahead.