Nearly three weeks after he was hospitalized due to pneumonia, Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal was discharged from the hospital.
One of Vidal’s physicians, Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, said the retired prelate was cleared to go home last Thursday.
“He is in good shape and fully recuperating, doing some walking exercise, and back to his routine Mass,” said Bullecer in a text message to Cebu Daily News yesterday.
Last Oct. 18, the 83-year-old prelate was rushed to the Perpetual Succour Hospital after he had irregular breathing patterns while staying at his residence in Sto. Niño Village in barangay Banilad, Cebu City.
He was diagnosed to have pneumonia, prompting physicians to confine the cardinal at the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring.
Vidal, the Philippines’ most senior cardinal, was eventually transferred to a private room last November 2. Bullecer said the cardinal survived the very crucial days of his confinement through prayers.
Vidal’s discharge from the hospital was a welcome development for the Cebu clergy and Catholic faithful who have been praying for his recovery. “He’s been entertaining visitors now,” Bullecer said.
Vidal, whose heart beats with the aid of a pacemaker, had previous major operations including a heart bypass and angioplasty.