Graham was treated for pneumonia at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, after being admitted last Wednesday.

His primary care physician, Dr Lucian Rice, said it was an “encouraging sign” that the 92-year-old had suffered no complications, although he said the recovery was going to be slow.

“He has responded very well to treatment, with progressive improvement since his admission,” he said.

“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.”

The evangelist even managed to keep up his weekly Bible study and prayer with his pastor, Dr Don Wilton, whilst in hospital.

Upon his release yesterday, Graham thanked the staff at Mission Hospital.

“The physicians and staff have shown such skill and compassionate care,” he said.

“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.”

Since retiring from public ministry several years ago, Graham now spends most of his time at his mountain home in Montreat, North Carolina.

He has ministered or met every single US president since 1950 and has taken the message of the Gospel to some 2.2 billion people worldwide through his crusades and radio and TV broadcasts.

His son, Franklin, now runs the ministry he founded, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.