Pope Francis, 86, leaves hospital after breathing difficulties health scare & jokes ‘I’m still alive’

POPE Francis left the hospital today after he was admitted with breathing difficulties and joked that he was “still alive”. The Roman Catholic leader, 86, was seen leaving Rome’s Gemelli hospital after a three-night stay for a bronchitis infection. ReutersPope Francis left the Gemelli hospital today[/caption] The Pope joked got out of the car transporting him and smiled and joked with the crowd, before heading off to the Vatican to begin preparations for the most important week in the Christian calendar. He was seen smiling and waving to wellwishers before telling reporters: “I wasn’t frightened, I’m still alive.” The Pope was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday and prescribed a few days’ rest for a respiratory infection said to not be Covid. He has responded well to an infusion of antibiotics, his medical team has said. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed on Friday that Francis was expected to take part in this weekend’s service for Palm Sunday – a major event in the Church calendar that kicks off Easter week celebrations. The dean of the college of cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, has said a cardinal would help the pope during the week’s celebrations and take care of altar duties. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online.Thesun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.