Pope Francis joked that he’s “still alive” after he was discharged on Saturday from a hospital in Rome where he received treatment for a respiratory infection.
The 86-year-old pontiff appeared to be in good spirits as he exited Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, lingering with well-wishers outside. He signed the arm cast of a young boy and hugged a couple who lost their 5-year-old daughter the night before, whispering words of comfort to the pair.
Before departing in his Fiat 500 car, Pope Francis flashed a grin at the crowd and offered a thumbs up. He also thanked the medical workers at the hospital, noting that they “show great tenderness.”
Instead of heading home, the Pope then traveled to St. Mary Major Basilica, where he snapped photos with delighted tourists before taking a quiet moment for himself to pray.
“Long live the pope!” crowds chanted as he exited the church.
The pontiff was admitted Wednesday to the Christian hospital after suffering shortness of breath. He was later diagnosed with bronchitis, but the pope’s condition rapidly improved after undergoing an antibiotic infusion treatment.
Pope Francis is expected to attend Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square — which marks the start of the Holy Week celebrations leading up to Easter.
He’s also still scheduled to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass at a juvenile prison in Rome, though it’s unclear whether he plans to attend a late-night, torch-lit Way of the Cross procession at Rome’s Colosseum to mark Good Friday.