Pope Francis signs young boy’s cast as he leaves hospital after three-day stay

Pope Francis signed a young boy’s cast after leaving the hospital following a three-day stay for a respiratory infection.

The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Wednesday, March 29 to be treated for bronchitis.

After being discharged, he greeted reporters and worshippers outside the hospital before signing the child’s wrist cast.

"I wasn't frightened, I'm still alive," he joked to reporters as he climbed into a car.

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