Pope Francis returns to the Vatican on Saturday morning after brief hospitalization with Bronchitis at Gemelli Hospital.
The Holy See of Press Office reports in a statement on Saturday morning that the Holy Father has left the hospital after 3 days. According to the Vatican News report of the Holy See Press Office statement, Pope greeted the hospital leaders as well as the hospital’s medical team and health workers before his departure.
“before his departure, the Holy Father greeted the leadership of the hospital, including Franco Anelli, the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart; Marco Elefanti, the General Director of the Policlinic; and the General Ecclesiastical Assistant for the hospital, Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, as well as the medical team and healthcare workers who assisted him during his convalescence” It stated.
Shortly before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis greeted the journalist, well-wishers, as well as those who gathered to cheer at him. He also prayed for the couple who lost their daughter.
According to a CNN Vatican correspondent’s Twitter video, when asked how he was doing, Pope Francis who obviously was in good spirit while leaving the hospital jokingly said “[I’m] still alive, you know”. Francis also disclosed that he was not afraid when asked if he got scared on Wednesday due to the respiratory Issue; according to a CNN news report.
“An old man, older than me, told me after a situation like this: ‘Father, I didn’t see death, but I saw it coming. It’s ugly, eh!” He said.
The Vatican reports also the Pontiff visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where he prayed for the sick and those who lost loved ones. They added that he prayed also for children.