Pope Francis, who underwent abdominal surgery in early June, delivered the Angelus prayer on Sunday before a crowd of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican and thanked the signs of “affection” received during his hospitalization. The 86-year-old Argentine pontiff was discharged on Friday after spending about ten days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
During his speech, the pope expressed his gratitude to those who showed him affection, concern, and friendship during his admission to the Gemelli Polyclinic. Pope Francis has been facing health problems for several years, especially related to his intestines and joints, which have weakened his health.
The Pope expressed his gratitude for the human and spiritual closeness he received, which brought him great help and comfort. His words were received with applause by the crowd present in St. Peter’s Square. During his speech, the Pope also expressed sadness and sorrow for the shipwreck of a fishing boat full of migrants in Greece, which caused the deaths of at least 78 people and left many others missing. He renewed his prayer for the victims and asked that everything possible be done to prevent similar tragedies.
In addition, Pope Francis lamented the attack perpetrated by a jihadist group against a secondary school in Uganda, which resulted in the deaths of at least 41 people, mostly students. The pope prayed for the young victims and emphasized the importance of peace in the midst of conflicts and wars occurring in different parts of the world.
Although the pope has resumed his activities, some of his engagements have been canceled, such as his upcoming weekly audience on Wednesday. The pontiff, who now moves around in a wheelchair or with the help of a cane, appeared in good health at the window of his apartments at the Apostolic Palace during the Angelus