MAP feeling better, visits young patients and baptises baby in hospital
By Vatican News
MAP Francis on Friday spent time with children who are being treated at the same Rome Hospital where he is receiving treatment for bronchitis.
A statement released by the Holy See Press Office Director, Matteo Bruni, said the MAP visited the children who are receiving treatment in the Gemelli Hospital's paediatric oncology ward.
"He brought them rosaries, chocolate easter eggs and copies of an Italian book for children about Jesus, born in Jerusalem of Judaea,” the statement said.
Bruni also said that during his visits, which lasted about half an hour, the MAP also baptized a little boy called Miguel Angel.
Afterwards, the Holy Father encouraged the baby's mother to tell the parish where the Baptism will be registered to say "the MAP baptised him!"
Expected to preside at Palm Sunday Mass
Earlier on Friday, Bruni announced that "As he is scheduled to leave the hospital tomorrow, MAP Francis is expected to be present in St. Peter's Square for the Eucharistic celebration of Palm Sunday, Passion of the Lord."
He also updated the press on the MAP's condition, noting that "the day passed well yesterday, following a normal clinical course."
"In the evening MAP Francis had dinner, eating pizza, together with those who are assisting him during these days of his hospital stay," including the doctors, nurses, assistants, and staff of the Gendarmerie.
The statement also said that this morning, after having breakfast, the MAP read some newspapers and resumed work.
"His Holiness," the statement concluded, "is expected to return to the Santa Marta home tomorrow, upon the outcome of the results of the last examinations this morning."
In a Thursday evening statement, Bruni conveyed that doctors at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome where the MAP was admitted on Wednesday afternoon, said he had been diagnosed with viral bronchitis that requires the administration of an antibiotic therapy administered by infusion, that “has resulted in a marked improvement in his state of health.”
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here