Pope Francis was discharged from the Rome hospital on Saturday after he was reported to have a respiratory infection.

Before being driven away, he quipped to journalists, "I'm still alive," according to USA Today. On Wednesday, the 86-year-old Catholic church leader was transported to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic hospital, where he was given intravenous antibiotics to treat his bronchitis. 

Before his hospitalization, the Vatican said the pope was having difficulty breathing. Francis also visited other patients in the hospital before leaving the facility. 

His visits included a boy with an arm cast that the pope signed. He also hugged a couple whose daughter died on Friday at Gemelli. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the pope's recovery had been "normal."

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Pope Francis Hospital Stay

The Vatican News reported that Pope Francis went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore after he left the hospital. He then prayed for all the sick and those suffering from losing loved ones due to illness.

Pope Francis also offered prayers to the children he met in the hospital's pediatric oncology and children's neurosurgery ward.

Before leaving the hospital, the pope greeted the hospital's leadership, including the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Franco Anelli, and Bishop Claudio Guiliodori, the General Ecclesiastical Assistant of the hospital.

The church leader also met with the General Director of the Policlinic, Marco Elefanti. The pope faced the medical team and the healthcare workers who helped him during his stay.

Brumi said the pope had dinner eating a pizza on Thursday night with all those who assisted him during his hospital stay.

The Vatican spokesperson also said that Francis was excited about the Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square.

Francis noted that he would keep his weekly appointment to greet the public in St. Peter's Square after the Palm Sunday Mass.

Pope Francis Health

Pope Francis greeted the year with intestinal problems in January but also said he is in good health for his age, as the Catholic News Agency reported.

The pope also spent 10 days in hospital in July 2021 after undergoing surgery to address symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon, which causes painful inflammation on the colon walls, France 24 reported.

It can also lead to abdominal pain, fever, or rectal bleeding. He underwent surgery to have 13 inches of his large intestine removed due to the inflammation of his colon. 

Francis said he was still experiencing the effects of six hours spent under anesthetic a year after his operation. His diverticulitis reportedly returned last January.

Meanwhile, the Vatican announced in February that Francis was suffering from a heavy cold, with the message of the pope distributed at two-morning appointments instead of reading those aloud.

The Vatican announced later that day that Francis' meeting with the YMCA Italy had been canceled. The pope's health had led to speculations of his resignation.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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