Pope Francis has joked that he is "still alive" as he left the hospital in Rome after a three-day stay.
He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties and later diagnosed with bronchitis.
The Vatican had earlier said the pontiff would be released on Saturday if his latest test results allowed it.
"I wasn't frightened, I'm still alive," the Pope, 86, told reporters outside the hospital before being driven away.
He was seen smiling and waving from the car, before getting out to speak to a crowd. He then headed for the Vatican.
The Pope's admission to the hospital came ahead of the busiest week in the Christian calendar to celebrate Easter.
Holy Week, as it is known, includes a busy schedule of events and services that can be physically demanding.
The Argentine pontiff, who marked 10 years as head of the Catholic Church earlier this month, has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.
Latest Stories
-
I want to focus more on my education – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry
1 hour -
Priest replaced after Sabrina Carpenter shoots music video in his church
1 hour -
Duct-taped banana artwork sells for $6.2m in NYC
2 hours -
Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes
2 hours -
Actors Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are engaged
2 hours -
Expired rice saga: A ‘best before date’ can be extended – Food and Agriculture Engineer
2 hours -
Why I rejected Range Rover gift from a man – Tiwa Savage
2 hours -
KNUST Engineering College honours Telecel Ghana CEO at Alumni Excellence Awards
3 hours -
Postecoglou backs Bentancur appeal after ‘mistake’
3 hours -
#Manifesto debate: NDC to enact and pass National Climate Law – Prof Klutse
3 hours -
‘Everything a manager could wish for’ – Guardiola signs new deal
3 hours -
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
3 hours -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
4 hours -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
4 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
4 hours