ROME -- Pope Francis blessed well-wishers from his window at the Gemelli hospital Sunday, making his first public appearance since he was admitted five weeks ago for treatment for double pneumonia and set off fears that he was at death's door. Smiling and speaking somewhat breathlessly, the 88-year-old pontiff waved and gave the thumbs up sign from his wheelchair on the balcony window before returning to the Vatican where he is due to spend two months convalescing.