As we breathe a sigh of relief that Pope Francis no longer seems in immediate danger of death, it is worth pausing to reflect on the profound effect that the pope's hospital stay had on Catholics and non-Catholics alike around the world.

The 88-year-old pope, released from Rome's Gemelli hospital March 23, is following doctors' orders and is focused on his recovery, the press office told reporters March 28.

El Papa de 88 años, dado de alta del hospital Gemelli de Roma el 23 de marzo, está siguiendo las órdenes de los médicos y está enfocado en su recuperación, dijo la oficina de prensa a los periodistas el 28 de marzo.

Francisco se asomó al balcón de la Policlínica por primera vez desde su ingreso, antes de abandonar el hospital donde estaba ingresado desde el 14 de febrero.

The pope appeared for the first time since his hospitalization from the balcony of Rome's Gemelli Hospital.