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Pope Francis leaves the hospital, Says, "I am still alive"

BY: News Peddlers 


Pope Francis in Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 31, 2023. [Photo: BBC]


After being treated for bronchitis, Pope Francis left the hospital and returned to the Vatican on Saturday, making light of his illness by saying, "I'm still alive, you know."


The pope, 86, was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Wednesday after complaining of breathing difficulties, but he responded quickly to an antibiotic infusion, according to his medical team.


Francis got out of his car before leaving the hospital grounds, using a walking stick to support himself, to demonstrate that he was fully recovered.


He greeted visitors and spoke briefly with reporters, confirming that he would preside over the Palm Sunday service in St. Peter's Square and deliver his weekly address to the faithful.


Sunday's service kicks off a week of Easter events, and the Vatican later announced that the pontiff would participate in those celebrations, backed by cardinals.


Francis embraced a sobbing mother whose young daughter had died overnight in the hospital before returning to the car, and then prayed with both parents.


He also signed the plaster cast of a young boy with a broken arm and waved as he drove away from the scene.


When reporters asked if he was afraid during his hospital stay, the Pope replied, "No, afraid no."


Pope Francis has been discharged from the Gemelli hospital in Rome.


"There is a lot of heroism and tenderness for patients in a hospital. You should know that sick people are erratic. Illness causes erratic behaviour. You must be patient "he said, praising the work of everyone at the Gemelli.


"I went to the children's ward and saw how tenderly they cared for the children," he explained.


After answering the various questions, he joked, "Now I need to sleep for four days."


The pope, who celebrated the tenth anniversary of his pontificate in March, has been plagued by a number of health issues in recent years.


He was last hospitalised in 2021 for colon surgery, but he was hidden from view as he left the Gemelli.


He will face a challenging week as the Roman Catholic Church prepares for the most important date on its calendar, Easter Sunday on April 9, with a series of ceremonies, services, and processions.


Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the college of cardinals, has already stated that a cardinal would assist the pope during the week's celebrations and handle altar duties.


Last year, the pope sat to one side during some Easter events due to persistent knee pain, leaving senior cardinals to lead the Masses.



(Reuters)

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