Pope Leaves Hospital After Surviving Most Serious Health Crisis

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after surviving a five-week battle in hospital against double pneumonia that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

- Reuters

VATICAN CITY:

The 88-year-old pope, who also made his first public appearance since February 14 before being discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital, left the facility shortly after noon.

A car carrying the pontiff was accompanied by police vehicles through Rome, making a short detour at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Francis has a special devotion and visits frequently.