Before discharge from hospital: Pope baptized baby and visited children with cancer

Francis has returned to his Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, his spokesman Matteo Bruni announced on Saturday. The pope thanked the head of the polyclinic, Marco Elefanti, his assistants and all the doctors and nurses who are treating him these days, Bruni said.

The Pope told journalists waiting in front of the hospital that he felt unwell after Wednesday’s general audience, but that he was “not afraid”. The Catholic Church leader had been treated in hospital for bronchitis.

Mass on Palm Sunday

According to his own statements, Pope Francis wants to celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Square tomorrow, Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. The Holy Father appeared in good health but spoke in a low voice. When leaving the hospital, he hugged a couple who lost their daughter on Sunday night, according to Italian media.

Baby christened in hospital

During his hospital stay, the Pope made a surprise visit to the pediatric oncology department at Gemelli Hospital on Friday. The pope brought chocolate Easter eggs, rosaries and books to the children, the Vatican said. During the surprise visit, which lasted around 30 minutes, Francis also baptized a baby who was just a few weeks old. In pictures distributed by the Vatican, the head of the Catholic Church can be seen smiling as he baptizes the little boy with holy water.