Pope Francis has left Rome's Gemelli Hospital, more than five weeks after being admitted on 14 February with breathing difficulties that developed into double-sided pneumonia.

The head of the Catholic Church left in a car, waving from the closed window of the front seat.

He was seen to have a cannula - a plastic tube inserted into his nostrils that delivers oxygen.

"Thank you everyone," Francis said, waving to the hundreds of people gathered below.

Francis looked tired and weaker than usual. Doctors said his health had improved enough for him to go home. He faces a long recovery that will last at least two months. | BGNES, AFP