They have prescribed a further two months of rest at the Vatican and told him to avoid large or stressful meetings, leaving unclear how much activity Francis will undertake in the coming months.

Hundreds of well-wishers called out for the Pope, chanting “Francis, Francis, Francis”. Source: ABACA / Vandeville Eric

Just before leaving the hospital on Sunday, Francis smiled and waved at a group of well-wishers gathered outside. He used a wheelchair, as he has done for several years.

Francis, pope since 2013, was first admitted to hospital for a bout of bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, caused by what his doctors called a “complex” infection involving several microorganisms.

The Vatican has not said whether Francis will be able to keep those appointments.