By ADELLE M. BANKS
c. 2011 Religion News Service

(RNS) Evangelist Billy Graham returned home Sunday (May 15) after a five-day hospital stay for pneumonia.

Graham, 92, has regained strength after treatment with antibiotics, according to his doctors at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C.

“He has responded very well to treatment, with progressive improvement since his admission,” said Dr. Lucian Rice, Graham’s primary care physician, in a statement.

“We expect continuing recuperation at home with very gradual recovery, returning to normal activities over several weeks. I’m delighted that he has come back this fast.”

In a statement, Graham said he appreciated the care by the staff at the hospital close to his home, as well as the prayers of well-wishers.

“I am deeply touched by the prayers and best wishes of so many people for me, and I look forward to returning home and resuming my normal activities soon,” he said.

The mostly homebound Graham has suffered from age-related ailments, including hearing loss and macular degeneration, in recent years. From his home, he regularly studies the Bible with his pastor and family members and has worked on writing projects, including a first-person look at aging.