Pope Francis To Leave Hospital Saturday For Bronchitis Treatment

Pope Francis is expected to be discharged on Saturday from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he was hospitalized two days ago and treated for an infectious bronchitis, the Vatican said on Friday.

The Pope had breakfast on Friday, read newspapers and resumed his work, Bruni said.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that Francis’ recovery has been “normal” and that the Pope had a pizza for dinner on Thursday evening with doctors, nurses and all the personnel who are assisting him at the hospital.

“His Holiness is expected to return to the Santa Marta home tomorrow, upon the outcome of the results of the last exams this morning,” he added.

The pontiff, 86, was hospitalized on Wednesday at Gemelli after suffering some breathing problems.

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The Vatican had confirmed that he received antibiotics intravenously to treat his bronchitis, showing quick and “marked” improvements.

It is still unclear if the pontiff will be able to preside over the many ceremonies scheduled during Holy Week, which starts with Palm Sunday on April 2 and culminates with Easter on April 9.

Earlier on Friday, the dean of the college of cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, told Italian media that Francis might be able to participate in all Easter week celebrations, as he will be helped by other cardinals for each of theceremonies.