I’m still alive, Pope Francis jokes as he leaves hospital

Pope Francis left hospital on Saturday after a three-night stay for a bronchitis infection, joking with well-wishers and journalists waiting for him outside that he was “still alive.”

The 86-year-old pope, 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, before heading off to the Vatican to begin preparations for the most important week in the Christian calendar.

On Friday, the pope visited the children’s cancer ward at the hospital, handing out chocolate Easter eggs and even baptising a weeks-old baby boy, according to a video published by the Vatican.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis had been working earlier on Friday in the hospital’s private papal suite on the 10th floor and catching up on newspapers. On Thursday night, he ate pizza with some hospital staff.

The Argentine pope was discharged as expected on Saturday, as Bruni was earlier positive he would preside over Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square.

The ceremony marks the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in Easter.

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

His increasing health issues over the past year have sparked widespread concern, including speculation that he might choose to retire rather than stay in the job for life.