Pope Francis may leave hospital soon, as health improves

According to a Vatican source, Pope Francis had a restful second night in the hospital receiving treatment for bronchitis, and a top cardinal predicted the 86-year-old will be released as soon as Saturday.

The pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Wednesday, and doctors late Thursday reported a "marked improvement" in his health. They added that he might return home "in the coming days."

According to the information I have, the pope will depart Gemelli tomorrow, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, stated to the Adnkronos news agency on Friday.

He expressed the hope that Francis would be able to preside over Holy Week and Easter services, which begin this weekend with Palm Sunday celebrations. Holy Week and Easter are the two most significant Christian holidays.

Requests for confirmation did not receive a response from the Vatican. Prior to this, a source claimed that he had spent the night "peacefully".

Only a few weeks after celebrating ten years as head of the Catholic Church worldwide, the pope's hospitalization has caused widespread alarm and fueled rumours about his future.

The Argentine, who had a portion of one lung removed when he was young, has been experiencing worsening health problems lately; this was his second hospital trip since 2021.

As Benedict XVI did, he has frequently stated that if his health were to fail, he would think about stepping down. However, in February, he said that for the time being, he had no plans to step down.

Francis needed medication to treat "infectious bronchitis," according to a statement from medical officials late on Thursday.

The treatment resulted in “a marked improvement in his state of health” and the pontiff could be back home in the Vatican “in the coming days”, it said.

The pontiff had been hospitalised after complaining of breathing issues for what the Vatican initially claimed were pre-planned tests.

According to the Vatican, by Thursday morning he was feeling well enough to work, eat, and pray from his private suite on the tenth floor of the hospital.

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