Pope Francis was released from hospital in Rome on Saturday (archives). KEYSTONE/AP/JOHN LOCHER sda-ats
This content was published on April 01, 2023 – 11:45
minutes
(Keystone-ATS)
“I’m still alive”: after three days of treatment for bronchitis, Pope Francis was released from hospital in good shape on Saturday in Rome. He is back in the Vatican to prepare for Easter celebrations.
The 86-year-old Argentinian Jesuit suffers from chronic health problems. He uses a wheelchair due to knee pain and underwent colon surgery in July 2021.
On Wednesday, the Vatican said he was going to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for scheduled check-ups, before admitting he had been having difficulty breathing and was suffering from a “respiratory infection” requiring antibiotic treatment.
The pope finally left the hospital on Saturday morning, visibly in good shape, happy to joke with the many faithful and journalists gathered around the Roman establishment.
“I’m still alive,” said the pontiff, getting out of his little white Fiat for a few moments before heading back to the Vatican.
Surprise visit to children
On Friday, he made a surprise visit to the hospital’s pediatric oncology ward, bringing the children chocolate eggs, rosaries and books.
François also baptized a newborn baby a few weeks old. On a video and photos released by the Vatican, we see the pope, smiling, leaning on a walker, writing on a paper and sprinkling holy water on the head of the newborn.
The pope is to preside over Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter’s Square. This ceremony marks the beginning of Holy Week preceding the celebrations of Easter, the main highlight of the year for Christians.
