Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Sunday, his first time in public since leaving the hospital two weeks ago. The 86-year-old pontiff greeted crowds at the Vatican and seemed to be in good spirits, despite still recovering from a recent illness.

Francis was seated in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula aiding his breathing. He appeared to be in better health than when he was last seen in public, struggling to speak and raise his arms. On Sunday, he was able to move his arms with more ease, and his voice was stronger.

The pope’s appearance had not been previously announced, and crowds of worshippers gathered at St. Peter’s Square were surprised and delighted by his sudden appearance. When Francis was wheeled in, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

According to the Vatican, Francis had gone to confession in St. Peter’s Basilica earlier that morning and gathered strength before greeting the pilgrims and faithful in the square.

Francis was hospitalized for 38 days with pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection, which posed a significant threat to his health. His doctors reported that there were two critical episodes where his life was in danger during his hospital stay.

The pope’s prolonged hospital stay marked the biggest health crisis since his election as pope in 2013. His doctors had advised him to recuperate for at least two months to allow his body to fully heal.