On Sunday, Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks, greeting supporters from a balcony at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been undergoing treatment.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a serious respiratory infection, representing the most significant health challenge of his papacy, which commenced twelve years ago.

As he gets ready for discharge later today, the Pope's medical team has indicated that he will need a considerable amount of time to recover.

Doctors noted on Saturday that it will require "a lot of time" for his body to fully heal, recommending an additional two months of rest at the Vatican to aid his recovery.

Given his age and recent health issues, the pontiff's well-being and capacity to fulfill his religious duties have been under careful observation.