Pope Francis made light of his three-day hospital stay by joking that he is “still alive.”
He had trouble breathing when he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday, and bronchitis was later determined to be the cause.
If the findings of his most recent test permitted it, the Vatican had earlier declared that the pontiff would be discharged on Saturday.
Before being transported away, the 86-year-old Pope told reporters outside the hospital, “I wasn’t frightened, I’m still alive.”
Before stepping out to address the crowd, he was spotted smiling and waving from the automobile. Afterwards, he started toward the Vatican.
Prior to the busiest week in the Christian calendar, which is Easter week, the Pope was admitted to the hospital.
Holy Week, as it is known, includes a busy schedule of events and services that can be physically demanding.
The Argentine pontiff, who marked 10 years as head of the Catholic Church earlier this month, has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.