Key takeaways:
- Pope Francis is set to be discharged from the Rome hospital where he was treated for bronchitis on Saturday.
- The pontiff has been receiving antibiotics intravenously and is expected to be present for the Palm Sunday Mass.
- During his stay at the hospital, Pope Francis also baptized a baby in the pediatrics ward.
Pope Francis is set to be discharged from the Rome hospital where he was treated for bronchitis on Saturday, the Vatican announced. The pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Polyclinic on Wednesday and has been receiving antibiotics intravenously.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement Friday night that the medical team “after evaluating the outcome of tests carried out today and the favorable clinical recovery, has confirmed discharge” on Saturday. He added that Francis will be in St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday Mass at the start of Holy Week.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said on Friday that Francis may be able to preside over — but not celebrate — the Mass. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Francis’s recovery has been “normal” and he ate a pizza for dinner on Thursday.
During his stay at the hospital, Pope Francis also baptized a baby in the pediatrics ward. He has been suffering from a chronic knee problem and had already largely stopped celebrating Mass at major Catholic Church holy days. However, he has continued to preside at the ceremonies and deliver homilies.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed if the Pope will deliver the homily during the Palm Sunday Mass. However, the pontiff is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Saturday and will be present for the Mass.
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