Pope to stay in hospital a few more days

Vatican says that extending his stay will optimize rehab therapy.

“In order to optimize medical and rehabilitation therapy, the Holy Father will remain hospitalized for a few more days,” declared the director of the Holy See’s press office, Matteo Bruni, on July 12. The Pope has been at the Gemelli Hospital since a pre-scheduled colon surgery on July 4. On Sunday, he led the midday Angelus from the 10th floor hospital balcony, looking well and in good spirits.

After the Angelus, the Pope greeted patients on his floor as well as medical staff. Images show that the Pontiff was taken through the corridors in a wheelchair.

Despite the announcement of the extension of the Pope’s stay in hospital – initially, the Holy See had spoken of seven days – Bruni’s press release has a reassuring tone. Pope Francis has “spent a quiet day and completed the phase of post-operative surgery,” he said. He also noted that the Pope celebrated Mass in the afternoon.

The joy of Argentinian and Italian victories

The Argentine Pope also shared the joy of the victory of the Argentine and Italian national soccer teams, the press release reported. This weekend, Argentina won the Copa America final and Italy won the Euro final.

Sharing the joy of the victory of the Argentine and Italian national teams with those close to him, His Holiness considered the meaning of sport and its values, and the need to be able to accept any result, even defeat: “Only in this way, in the face of life’s difficulties, can one always put oneself on the line, fighting without giving up, with hope and trust.”