As he left the hospital in Rome after a three-day stay, Pope Francis quipped that he is “still alive.”
With breathing issues, he was brought to Gemelli Hospital midweek and later diagnosed with bronchitis.
According to the Vatican, he was responding to medicines and would be freed on Saturday pending test results.
Before being transported away, the 86-year-old pontiff told reporters and sobbing well-wishers outside the hospital, “I wasn’t afraid, I’m still alive.”
He was observed laughing and waving from the car before exiting to address the gathering. He then made his way to the Vatican.
The Pope was admitted to the hospital prior to the busiest week of the Christian calendar, Easter.
Holy Week, as it is commonly known, contains a physically rigorous schedule of festivities and services.
Matteo Bruni, spokesperson for the Vatican, said on Friday that the Pope was expected to attend Palm Sunday services this weekend.
“I can affirm that, as he is planned to leave the hospital tomorrow [Saturday], Pope Francis is expected to be present in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, the Lord’s Passion,” Bruni said in a statement.
He added that after leaving the hospital, the Pope would return to Santa Marta, the papal residence within the Vatican.
The Argentine pontiff, who commemorated 10 years as head of the Catholic Church earlier this month, has endured numerous health problems during his life, including the removal of a portion of one of his lungs at the age of 21.
In addition, he has utilised a wheelchair in recent months due to knee-related issues.
In February, however, the Pope visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. In the month prior, he presided over the funeral of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope’s plans for Easter
2 April, Palm Sunday: 09:30 (07:30 GMT) Papal Mass, 12:00 Sunday Blessing
5 April: 09:00 Papal General Audience
Holy Thursday, 6 April, 09:30 Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Good Friday, April 7: 17:00 Passion of Christ, 21:15 Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum
8 April, Holy Saturday, 20:30, St. Peter’s Basilica Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday, April 9, 10:00 Mass, 12:00 Urbi et Orbi in St. Peter’s Square
Easter Monday, April 10, 12:00 p.m., Pasquetta in St. Peter’s Square
