‘I Am Still Alive’, Pope Francis Says As He Leaves Hospital

Pope Francis left hospital on Saturday after a three-night stay to treat bronchitis, stopping to say hello to well-wishers and joking he was “still alive”.

The 86-year-old, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties, got out of the car transporting him and smiled and joked with the crowd.

When asked by someone how he felt, he quipped twice with a big smile “I am still alive!”

As the crowds clapped, Francis headed off to the Vatican to begin preparations for Holy Week and Easter, the most important week in the Christian calendar.

The pontiff felt unwell Wednesday after a general audience in St Peter’s Square, but his condition improved after he was given antibiotics.

The Argentine pope confirmed on Saturday he will preside over Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square, the beginning of a busy week of events leading up to Easter.

Francis’ hospitalisation was his second since 2021, when he underwent colon surgery, also at Gemelli.