Pope Francis makes first public appearance since being discharged from hospital

VATICAN CITY (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Pope Francis made his first public appearance Sunday since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago.

The 88-year-old pontiff entered St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in a wheelchair as part of a Jubilee Mass for the Sick.

He passed through a jubilant crowd before giving his blessing as the celebrant, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, offered a final blessing as well.

The pope has been out of public view since March 23, when he gave a short greeting and blessing from his balcony at Rome's Gemelli Jospital.

The appearance came after he underwent more than five weeks of treatment for pneumonia in both lungs.

The head of Pope Francis' medical team said he would require a further two months of rest once he returns to the Vatican.