'Greatest gift': Visitors gather to see Pope, as Sky News understands he refuses helicopter ride
**By Simone Baglivo, Europe Producer in Rome**
The unexpected news briefing with which the Vatican's medical team announced the Pope will be leaving the hospital today was a positive shock for many.
"It's quite extraordinary to think about this recovery," a senior Vatican official close to the pontiff told Sky News this morning.
"The challenge now is to make him understand his life is changed, and he has to adapt to a new era," the source, who did not want to be named, added.
The many pilgrims gathered since early morning in St Peter's Square and outside the Gemelli hospital are celebrating his return.
"What a good news: this is a very special day for all the Christians," a group of young pilgrims from Sevilla told us before making their way to the holy door.
Jasmine, a nun from India, said this is the biggest joy she has been waiting for.
"It's the greatest gift we could receive. We thank the lord," she told us.
The faithful are aware they're going to see less of the Pope while he will keep recovering at his Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican.
Earlier this month, we met Marco Impagliazzo, the president of the Catholic Church's biggest charity, who met the Pope the day before he was hospitalised.
He anticipated to us that Francis's pontificate will enter a new phase: less dynamic and more prophetic.
**'Our spiritual father'**
Raul, a priest from California, who is very excited to have the Argentinian pontiff back at the Holy See, agrees.
"This pontificate is going to be a little different. The Pope will be less active, but he will always be present among us as our spiritual father," he told us.
During this 38-day-long hospitalisation, many were not only worried for his health, but also upset to miss the chance to see the Pope's weekly appearances in St Peter's square.
"Every time I'm in Rome, I come here to see him, so I was unhappy I missed him," Johanna, arriving from Florence, explained.
Rob Wesley and Holly Searston came from Nottingham to see the Pope.
"We've always been concerned, but we know he needed to be at the hospital to get the best care," they said.
**Refusing a helicopter**
Sky News understands all plans for the Pope have to be considered unconfirmed.
This includes Easter celebrations, a King Charles-scheduled meeting on 8 April and a papal trip to Turkey at the end of May.
"I know he's planning to visit my country, so we pray he can heal. We want to meet him in Turkey," Basak Erhan, from Istanbul, told us.
About 8km separate the Gemelli and the Vatican. Italian Police has been heavily deployed around the hospital.
We understand the Pope is keen to refuse a helicopter ride, preferring instead a car trip back home.
Once again, he's among the people.