The Pope’s return – he led the prayer from the hospital balcony

“These days when I was in the hospital, I felt how important good health care is, as accessible to everyone as it is in Italy and other countries,” the Pope said from a balcony on the tenth floor of the Gimelli Hospital in Rome.

The Pope underwent surgery a week ago. Sunday is the first time since he took office in 2013 that he has not led Sunday prayers from St Peter’s Square, except when he was traveling.

Outside the hospital, a few hundred people gathered and doctors and patients followed the Pope from the balconies and windows of the hospital. With him on the balcony stood children, like the Pope, sick in the hospital.

The 84-year-old pontiff was reported to be fine, but occasionally developed slight shortness of breath during prayers that lasted more than ten minutes.

– I felt your closeness and support in your prayers. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, he said, calling for prayers for all the sick.

Especially for those who have more difficulty. No one may be left alone, and everyone may receive the anointing of listening, closeness, and care.

Pope suffered from diverticulitis, which simply means inflammation of the so-called intestinal sinuses. This is the first time he has been hospitalized since taking office.