Pope Francis made his first public appearance in more than five weeks, waving to people and giving a thumbs up from a balcony.

Axar.az reports, citing CNN, though the pope looked frail and struggled to speak, he addressed the crowd outside the hospital, thanking them and acknowledging one woman in the crowd who was holding flowers. He also gave a blessing, though appeared to have some difficulty raising his arms.

Despite this, the pontiff seemed alert, shaking his head when an aide came over to him to ask something.

Francis, 88, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, initially suffering from a severe respiratory infection. He was subsequently diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, which evolved to pneumonia in both lungs.

His medical team said Saturday that his condition had now stabilized, allowing for him to be discharged to convalesce at his residence in the Vatican, Casa Santa Marta, for the next two months.