“I’m still alive,” jokes Pope Francis as he leaves the hospital in Rome. On Wednesday, the 86-year-old pope was admitted because of pneumonia.
During his hospitalization, the pope was given antibiotics, which soon made him feel better.
The 86-year-old pope is said to have eaten pizza with medical staff on Thursday evening. He returned to work from the hospital on Friday morning.
His hospitalization came at the busiest time in his annual schedule, due to the events and services scheduled during Easter week. The Vatican announces that the pope is expected to be in St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday Mass this weekend.
Pope does not want to stop for health reasons for the time being
There was concern over the hospitalization of the pope, who is struggling with a number of ailments. He has stomach problems, for which he underwent surgery in 2021. And because of a knee problem, he uses a wheelchair or a cane. Francis acknowledged last summer that he needed to slow down.
The health concerns lead to questions about how long the pope plans to stay in office. He has said he may step down if his health fails, but before his hospitalization he said he would not stop for the time being.
Francis’ predecessor Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 for health reasons. That was very unusual because a pope usually remains in office for the rest of his life.
