Pope Francis
It shows up for the first time after surviving intestinal surgery
Pope Francis on the balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
© imago / Italy Photo Press
A week after his intestinal surgery, Pope Francis appeared in public for the first time.
Pope Francis (84) appeared in public for the first time after his bowel surgery last Sunday (July 4th). Instead of his traditional Sunday appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the head of the church prayed with his faithful from the balcony on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
“I thank you all: you made me feel your closeness and support through your prayers,” said Francis according to the news portal “Vatican News” during his ten minute performance. The Pope had therefore “weakened, but in good spirits” worked.
Health care must be there for everyone
Also on the official Twitter account of the 84-year-olds were cutouts published from his speech: “During these days of my stay in hospital, I learned how important it is to have good health care that is accessible to all. We must not lose this precious good, which our common commitment requires,” Francis is quoted as saying.
Pope Francis went to the Gemelli Clinic in Rome on July 4th to undergo a planned operation for a disease of the colon. In the meantime he had developed a fever. According to “Vatican News” yesterday (July 10th), examinations showed “satisfactory” blood values and the treatment had worked well.