Pope Francis Thanks Well-Wishers for Support During Hospital Stay
Pope Francis prayed with a crowd of thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, two days after he was discharged from a Rome hospital, giving thanks for the “closeness” he had felt during his hospitalization for abdominal surgery.
A thunderous cheer along with scattered calls of “Viva il papa!” — Italian for “Long live the pope!” — greeted the pontiff when he appeared at a window in the Apostolic Palace, from where he addresses the faithful on Sundays. Before reciting the Angelus prayer and a blessing, Francis, 86, expressed “gratitude” for the “affection, care and friendship” that he had felt during his hospitalization.
“This human closeness and spiritual closeness were of great help and comfort to me,” he added. “Thank you all.”
Some 15,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday under a hot sun, according to the Vatican authorities.
Source: The New York Times
