Pope Francis leaves hospital, assures the world he is 'still alive'

Pope Francis baptises a child born in Rome's Gemelli hospital, where the pontiff was being treated for a respiratory infection. © AFP

Roman Catholic leader Pope Francis left a Roman hospital on Saturday after three days of treatment for a lung infection. The pontiff smilingly assured wellwishers and journalists that he is "still alive". He is 86 years old.

Stopping briefly to chat to the crowd outside Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican to begin preparations for Holy Week and Easter.