Pope speaks to say “thank you, everyone,” and acknowledge flowers

With the faithful gathered in anticipation, Pope Francis made his first appearance since February 14, visibly weakened and only able to say a few words, yet also clearly resolved to interact with the faithful and give his blessing.

"Thank you, everyone," he said, though he was not expected to speak at all.

After this brief greeting, the Pope was taken back to the Vatican.

Doctors assured at the press conference on Saturday afternoon, March 22, that the Holy Father's voice has been affected by his respiratory weakness, but that it will slowly return.

The Pope also acknowledged a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, held by an elderly woman in the crowd. "I see the woman with the yellow roses! She is great," he said, gesturing with his hands as the crowd chuckled and the woman reacted with surprise and emotion.

[See a brief interview with her here in Italian.]

The Holy Father could only partially raise his hand, but he gave the apostolic blessing. He also gave the thumbs up sign to the crowd.

The Holy Father's hospital room is on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital, but it was from the 5th floor that he greeted the faithful. Before appearing on the balcony to greet the faithful and impart his blessing, Pope Francis briefly greeted the staff and management of the Catholic University and the Gemelli Polyclinic.

After his appearance, the Pope was transferred into a white Fiat 500 and driven to his residence for at least two months of convalescence. There, the Pope will continue the motor and respiratory physiotherapy he received at the polyclinic.

Before being taken to the Vatican, he passed by St. Mary Major, the basilica he has visited now more than 120 times as pope. Without leaving the vehicle, he entrusted Cardinal Makrickas, in charge of the basilica, with flowers to lay before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani.

He arrived back at the Vatican shortly before 1 pm.

Look back on reports of the Pope's time in hospital here.