Pope To Make First Public Appearance Since Hospitalisation On Sunday

Pope Francis will make his first public appearance on Sunday with a blessing and a wave from Rome's Gemelli hospital where he was admitted on February 14 with breathing problems.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia in both lungs after being hospitalised.

"Pope Francis intends to wave and offer a blessing from the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome after Angelus prayers," The Vatican said Saturday.

The pope has missed the Angelus prayers for five straight weeks for the first time since his election in March 2013.