In a white Fiat 500L, wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, Pope Francis entered Vatican City, marking a sigh of relief for many who feared his illness could lead to a fatal outcome or even his resignation.

According to media reports, the motorcade, which initially overshot the Vatican, took a detour to the basilica where Francis, too weak to get out of the car, offered a bouquet of flowers to the cardinal.

The flowers were placed in front of the revered Salus Populi Romani icon, a symbol of personal significance to the pope.

This moment followed his first public appearance in weeks, where he briefly waved from a hospital balcony, offering a thumbs-up and blessing to the crowd.

Despite his visible weakness, Pope Francis seemed grateful for the support of the many gathered outside the hospital.

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening double pneumonia.