Pope Francis' condition during his recent hospitalization was so grave that doctors considered ending his treatment, his lead doctor said in an interview published Tuesday. Why it matters: Francis' five-week-long hospital stay sparked fears of a possible papal resignation.

The doctors who cared for Pope Francis during his life-threatening health battle over the past few weeks at one point thought there might be no choice but to let him die. Professor Sergio Alfieri, the doctor in charge of caring for the pontiff after he was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome,

By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -After 38 days in hospital battling double pneumonia almost entirely out of sight, Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since February 14 and returned to the Vatican.

VATICAN CITY >> Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after surviving a five-week battle in hospital against double pneumonia that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

As previously announced by the Vatican, Pope Francis was discharged on Sunday, March 23, in the morning after spending 38 days in Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory infection. This marked his first public appearance following his medical care and observation.