Pope Francis joked that he is “still alive” as he left the hospital in Rome where he spent the past few days being treated for a respiratory infection.

He stopped to talk to well wishers and journalists after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday morning.

The Pontiff was in good spirits when he replied to CNN’s Delia Gallagher’s questions about how he was feeling, telling her “[I’m] still alive, you know!”

Pope Francis has joked that he is "still alive" as he left hospital in Rome after a three-day stay.

He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital mid-week with breathing difficulties, and later diagnosed with bronchitis.

The Vatican had said he was responding to antibiotics and would be released on Saturday, depending on test results.

"I wasn't frightened, I'm still alive," the 86-year-old pontiff told reporters and tearful well wishers outside the hospital before being driven away.

Pope Francis has been released from the hospital on Saturday morning after receiving treatment for bronchitis.

Before leaving the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic hospital, the pope, who is 86 years old, met with the leadership of the hospital, according to the Holy See Press Office. He then stopped briefly to greet several people and prayed with a couple who had lost their daughter overnight, according to Vatican News.