Pope Francis was released from hospital on Saturday morning after spending three days in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. In a good mood, he joked with those who waited for him. “I’m still alive,” he said.
“I felt bad, but I wasn’t afraid,” Pope Francis said as he left the hospital.
The pope, aged 86, was hospitalized with a respiratory infection on Wednesday and was diagnosed with viral bronchitis, which required administration of antibiotics, the medical team clarified on Thursday.
On leaving the hospital, he got out of the car that transported him to the Vatican, greeted some waiting and signed signatures. He got to cuddle and pray with a couple who lost their daughter on Friday night.
“Before leaving the premises, the Holy Father greeted the Rector of the Catholic University, Franco Anelli, with his close associates, the Director of the Polyclinic, Marco Elefanti, the Ecclesiastical Assistant General of the Catholic University, Monsignor Claudio Giuliodori, and the team of doctors and health officers who have assisted him these days,” the Holy See’s press service said.
The Vatican spokesman confirmed on Friday that Pope Francis is expected to be present in St. Peter’s Square for the Eucharistic celebration on Palm Sunday (April 2). “Tomorrow I will celebrate the Eucharist on Palm Sunday,” the pope confirmed.
At the Vatican, the pope begins preparations for Holy Week and Easter, the most important week in the Christian calendar.
Pope Francis had part of his right lung removed at the age of 21 because of a respiratory infection. The leader of the Catholic Church has already said he will step down if his health prevents him from doing his job.
Source: DN
