Pope Francis autographs the plaster solid of a kid as he leaves the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Saturday.

Gregorio Borgia/AP

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Gregorio Borgia/AP

Pope Francis autographs the plaster solid of a kid as he leaves the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Saturday.

Gregorio Borgia/AP

ROME — Pope Francis was discharged on Saturday from the Rome hospital the place he was handled for bronchitis, quipping to journalists earlier than being pushed away: “I’m still alive.”

Francis, 86, was hospitalized on Wednesday at Gemelli Polyclinic after reportedly having respiration difficulties following his weekly public viewers. The pontiff was handled with antibiotics administered intravenously, the Vatican stated.

Before departing, Francis had an emotional second with a Rome couple whose 5-year-old daughter died Friday evening on the hospital. Serena Subania, mom of Angelica, sobbed as she pressed her head into the chest of the pope, who put a hand on the girl’s head.

Francis appeared desperate to linger with well-wishers. When a boy confirmed him his arm solid, the pope made a gesture as if to ask “Do you have a pen?” A papal aide handed Francis one, and the pope autographed the solid.

The pontiff answered in a voice that was near a whisper when reporters peppered him with questions, indicating he did really feel chest ache, a symptom that satisfied his medical employees to take him to the hospital Wednesday.

Francis sat within the entrance seat of the white Fiat 500 automobile that drove him away from Gemelli Polyclinic. But as an alternative of heading straight house, his motorcade sped proper previous Vatican City, in line with an Associated Press photographer positioned outdoors the walled city-state.

The pope was apparently headed to a Rome basilica that may be a favourite of his. After he was discharged from the identical hospital in July 2021 following intestinal surgical procedure, Francis stopped to supply prayers of thanksgiving at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, which is house to an icon depicting the Virgin Mary.

On Friday, Vatican officers stated Francis can be at St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday Mass to mark the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates on Easter, April 9.