Earlier than departing, Francis had an emotional second with a Rome couple whose 5-year-old daughter died Friday evening on the hospital. Serena Subania, mom of Angelica, sobbed as she pressed her head into the chest of the pope, who put a hand on the lady’s head.

Francis appeared wanting to linger with well-wishers. When a boy confirmed him his arm forged, the pope made a gesture as if to ask “Do you’ve gotten a pen?” A papal aide handed Francis one, and the pope autographed the forged.

The pontiff answered in a voice that was near a whisper when reporters peppered him with questions, indicating he did really feel chest ache, a symptom that satisfied his medical workers to take him to the hospital Wednesday.

Francis sat within the entrance seat of the white Fiat 500 automotive that drove him away from Gemelli Polyclinic. However as a substitute of heading straight residence, his motorcade sped proper previous Vatican Metropolis, in line with an Related Press photographer positioned exterior the walled city-state.

The pope was apparently headed to a Rome basilica that may be a favourite of his. After he was discharged from the identical hospital in July 2021 following intestinal surgical procedure, Francis stopped to supply prayers of thanksgiving at St. Mary Main Basilica in Rome, which is residence to an icon depicting the Virgin Mary.

On Friday, Vatican officers stated Francis can be at St. Peter’s Sq. for Palm Sunday Mass to mark the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates on Easter, April 9.

Gregorio Borgia contributed reporting.