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. The 88-year-old pope,

Before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis gave a thumbs up and acknowledged the crowd after he was wheeled out onto the balcony overlooking the main entry.

After five weeks in hospital with pneumonia, the Pope has left hospital to prepare for two months of rest at the Vatican. Before beginning his recovery, he appeared from the window of his hospital room.