After being hospitalized for bronchitis treatment for three nights, Pope Francis was scheduled to depart on Saturday and start making preparations for the holiest week in the Christian calendar.
The 86-year-old pope was administered antibiotics, which helped him feel better after being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday with breathing problems.
According to a film released by the Vatican, the pope visited the hospital’s children’s cancer ward on Friday, distributing Easter eggs and even baptizing a boy who was just a few weeks old.
Francis was working and reading newspapers early on Friday in the hospital’s exclusive papal suite on the 10th floor, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. He shared a pizza on Thursday night with a few medical employees.
According to Bruni, the Argentine pope was scheduled to be released on Saturday and would officiate at Palm Sunday service in St. Peter’s Square.
The ritual ushers in Holy Week, which concludes with Easter. Francis had undergone gastrointestinal surgery at Gemelli in 2021, which led to his first hospitalization.
His deteriorating health over the past year has caused widespread worry, including rumors that he might decide to resign rather than hold the position for the rest of his life.
In 2013, Benedict XVI, his predecessor, resigned in a bold move not seen since the Middle Ages.
On Friday, St. Peter’s Square visitors voiced relief at the pope’s progress.
“I was afraid for the pope,” said one 56-year-old Italian tourist who gave his name as Davide.
“But I’m happy he’s better, that he’s returning. For believers and the Catholic community, it’s important,” he added.
