After five weeks of hospitalization with pneumonia, including moments where he came close to death, Pope Francis is back at home in the Vatican recovering.

The Vatican on Friday said Pope Francis' health has continued to improve after his release from hospital. The 88-year-old is still receiving oxygen through a tube in his nose, but at a lower dose, a Vatican spokesman said.

Pope Francis continues to be in stable condition and has registered improvements in both breathing and speech, the Vatican said on March 28.