Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Wednesday after more than 11 days in hospital where he had undergone bowel surgery.
Pope Francis came to the Vatican by car and got out slowly but without help. He shook hands and chatted with the military and police officers before entering the gates of the Vatican.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that Francis prayed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome before returning to the Vatican. Francis usually does this at the end of every trip abroad to thank the Madonna.
From his Twitter account, Pope Francis wrote on Wednesday to “thank everyone who has been close to me with prayer and affection during my hospital stay. Let us not forget to pray for the sick and their helpers. »
I thank everyone who has been close to me with prayer and affection during my hospital stay. Let’s not forget to pray for the sick and their carers.
Francis underwent a three-hour scheduled operation on July 4th to treat « severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis » or hardening of the sacs that sometimes become in the intestinal lining. The operation required the removal of a large part of the Pope’s colon.
Francis was considered healthy overall, and this is the first time he has been hospitalized since he became Pope in 2013, despite losing the top of one lung due to an infection in his youth. He also suffers from sciatica, or nerve pain, which makes him walk with a pronounced limp.
The Vatican has continued normal operations in his absence, although July is traditionally a month when the Pope cancels public and private audiences.
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