Pope Francis is continuing to rest and recover at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a successful three-hour abdominal surgery on Wednesday. Source: OSV News.
Among the many messages Pope Francis has been getting over the course of his first full day recovering from the hernia operation, his favourite was a large card from a Peruvian family he met during his last hospital stay.
Covered in hearts, smiley faces and colour photographs, the card said, “Get well soon!” and “We love you very much.”
One photograph explained why the card would be so special for the Pope: it showed him with Miguel Ángel, the infant he baptised in the oncology ward on March 31.
Pope Francis “was touched by the affection of the family of little Miguel Ángel” who sent him a big card “wishing him a speedy recovery”, said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, in a written statement last night.
“The Holy Father wanted to personally thank the mother with a brief phone call,” he added.
Mr Bruni said the Pope spent his first full day at the hospital resting per doctors’ orders.
He was on a liquid diet, his vital signs were stable and post-operative tests results were normal, Mr Bruni said.
Yesterday was also the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, and the Pope did receive the Eucharist.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Bruni said Pope Francis had spent a restful, peaceful first night and was informed of the many messages of “closeness and affection” from well-wishers and he “expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers”.
FULL STORY
Pope Francis stable, receives poster from family of baby he baptized in hospital in March (CNS via OSV News)
RELATED COVERAGE
Pope Francis continues to recover well, extending thanks for well-wishes (Vatican News)
