Time.news – Pope Francis finally returns to Casa Santa Marta. After the surgery for diverticular stenosis of the sigma, carried out on the evening of Sunday 4 July and a 10-day hospitalization, the Pope left the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
“I thank all those who have been close to me with their prayers and affection during the days of hospitalization”, wrote Bergoglio in a tweet on the Pontifex account, exhorting to do not forget “to pray for the sick and those who care for them”.
Before returning to the Vatican, Francis he went to Santa Maria Maggiore to pray, a recurring gesture at the beginning and at the end of each of his international trips. In front of the icon of the Virgin Salus populi Romani thanked for the success of his surgery, addressing a prayer for all the sick, especially those encountered during the days of hospitalization. Inside the Basilica the Holy Father moved in a wheelchair.
The arrival at Casa Santa Marta, the director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni said, happened shortly before 12. But before crossing the Vatican walls, the Pope got out of the car and also wanted to thank the people present and the police staff who had escorted him from the hospital.
On Sunday 11 July, at the Angelus from the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital, Bergoglio appeared a little tired but smiling and in decent shape. In the Bulletin of the following day, Bruni underlined that the Holy Father had “completed the post-operative course” and already yesterday a return to the Vatican was expected between today and tomorrow.
Now the Pope will have to continue his convalescence at Casa Santa Marta and rest. Although the work has already gradually resumed. In view of his upcoming commitments on the agenda: especially the international ones. His pastoral visit announced in Slovakia, from 12 to 15 September, with a visit to Budapest for the concluding Holy Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress. Then we talk about the participation in the COP26 in Glasgow in November and towards the end of the year a possible trip – not yet confirmed – to Greece.
Among the “internal” appointments, the text of the Apostolic Constitution on the Reform of the Curia. The text – whose publication date Francis will decide – is currently being studied by the Council of Cardinals. The document will have to replace John Paul II’s Pastor Bonus and is now at the attention of canonists to adapt the terminology to the juridical character.
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