The 88-year-old pontiff had been battling severe pneumonia.

Before leaving the hospital, the Pope gave a thumbs-up to the crowd after he was wheeled out onto the balcony.

Surgeon Sergio Alfieri details critical moments in 38-day hospitalization that left the Vatican leader clinging to life

The medical staff looking after Pope Francis considered stopping his treatment so he could die, according to the lead doctor, while the 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized with a drawn-out respiratory illness.

During his 38-day hospital stay for pneumonia, Pope Francis came so near to death that his physicians thought about stopping his treatment so he could pass away peacefully, according to the head of the pope's medical staff.