Pope Francis leaves hospital after 3-day stay, quips 'I am still alive'

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties

Pope Francis left hospital Saturday after a three-night stay for a bronchitis infection, joking with wellwishers and journalists waiting for him outside that he was "still alive".

Pope Francis hugs a woman who came to him as he leaves the Gemelli hospital in Rome, after being discharged following treatment for bronchitis. (AFP)

The 86-year-old pope, who was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties, got out of the car transporting him and smiled and joked with the crowd, before heading off to the Vatican to begin preparations for the most important week in the Christian calendar.