Less than two weeks after his release from a Rome hospital, Pope Francis made an appearance at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican Sunday and addressed parishioners following a service.

Pope Francis told the crowd he related to the struggles of illness and dependence as he continues his own recovery.

The pontiff has not been seen in public since he left Rome's Gemelli hospital on 23 March, after undergoing treatment for pneumonia.

Pope Francis was rolled into St. Peter’s Square in a wheelchair during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick in his first public appearance at the Vatican since his release from the hospital two weeks ago.

Pope Francis, who is recovering from a lengthy stay in hospital where he was treated for double pneumonia, provided a surprise to 20,000 worshippers on St Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday by turning up in a wheelchair at the end of a Mass for the sick.

Pope Francis has made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and medical workers in his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving the hospital.

Pope Francis surprised pilgrims on Sunday with his first public appearance since leaving hospital two weeks ago following intensive treatment for pneumonia.

Pope Francis has made an appearance at St Peter's Square in the Vatican following his discharge from hospital after five weeks of treatment. The Pope briefly appeared on stage in a wheelchair, with a breathing tube under his nose.