The Pope's denunciation, in Italy there are those who are unable to cure themselves

The return of 'health poverty' is assuming important proportions in Italy, above all in the Regions marked by more difficult socio-economic situations.This is what the Pope said in the audience with the Religious Association of Social-Healthcare Institutes.

"As a Church, we are called to respond above all to the demand for health care of the poorest, the excluded and those who, for economic or cultural reasons, see their needs not met. These are the most important for us", Francis concluded, asking to Catholic hospitals not to sell only for economic reasons.

"I'm still alive" and "I wasn't afraid". These are Francesco's words after leaving the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, waving goodbye to guests and waiting media, while he was being taken away. He had been hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for bronchitis. The Pope, 86, was taken to the Gemelli hospital in Rome three days ago after complaining of breathing difficulties. He responded well to an infusion of antibiotics, his medical team said. The pope, who celebrated the 10th anniversary of his pontificate in March, has suffered from a series of ailments in recent years.