He Pope Francisco He was discharged this Saturday from the Roman hospital where he was hospitalized for three days due to bronchitis. He has already returned to the Vatican to prepare the Holy Week celebrations.
“I’m still alive,” the Argentine pontiff joked to the faithful and journalists gathered in front of the Gemelli hospital in Rome, according to a quote from the agency AFP. She was smiling, in good spirits and got out of her car to say hello before heading to the Vatican.
I thank everyone for their closeness and their prayers. I entrust the sick to Maria, especially children, such as those I have visited at Gemelli Oncology. Let us pray for those who suffer the loss of their loved ones and for those who work in hospitals. I admire you. pic.twitter.com/hPjPokc8BU
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex_es) April 1, 2023
Before leaving, Francis hugged a couple whose daughter died Friday night at the hospital, the Vatican said. He also thanked the medical staff and journalists who were waiting for him at the exit of the medical center.
“I am reminded of something that an old man once told me, a man older than me, when faced with a situation like this: ‘I, father, don’t know death but I have seen it coming… It’s ugly, eh! ‘” he told reporters with a laugh.
Francisco was then greeted with applause by the people who had gathered there hoping to see him.
The Vatican confirmed that he will be able to preside over the Palm Mass tomorrow Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, which marks the beginning of the rites of Holy Week.
As on other occasions and because he uses a wheelchair due to knee pain, he will only preside over the ceremony, which will be celebrated by the Argentine cardinal Leonardo Sandri.
Shortly after, the Holy See’s press office released its work schedule for this Saturday, which includes a meeting with Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, responsible for 10 years for the bishops of the world, who resigned in January after being accused of improper touching of a scholarship holder.
Pope Francis will preside over the Palm Sunday mass after his hospitalization
The day before, he brought chocolate eggs, rosaries and books to children with cancer who are hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital and baptized a newborn.
Before entering his residence in the Vatican, the 86-year-old pope stopped for a few minutes to pray in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, a personal tradition he observes before every trip abroad.
With information from Afp and Efe.
