"I was not afraid, I'm still alive," said Pope Francis after leaving the Gemelli Hospital in Rome today, Saturday, returning to the Vatican, following a severe pneumonia he experienced last Wednesday, which led to a deterioration in his health. The 86-year-old pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday after complaining of breathing difficulties. His medical team stated that he responded well to antibiotic injections.
Previously, measures were taken to keep the media away from the pope when he left the hospital in 2021 after undergoing colon surgery. However, in an effort to show that he has fully recovered, Francis exited his car and greeted those who came to express their well wishes and spoke with journalists, using a walking stick for support.
The pope thanked those who wished him a speedy recovery and had a brief conversation with the waiting reporters, confirming that he would preside over Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square and deliver his usual weekly sermon to the church audience.
Before returning to the car, the pope embraced a grieving mother whose daughter passed away during the night at the hospital and prayed with both parents. He also signed a splint for a boy with a broken arm and waved from the window of the car that took him to the Vatican.
Pope Francis, who marked the tenth anniversary of his papacy in March, has faced several health issues in recent years. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed yesterday, Friday, that the pope will participate in Palm Sunday Mass next week as part of the Easter celebrations.
