Pope makes first public appearance since intestinal surgery

Pope Francis on Sunday made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to correct a “severe” narrowing of his colon.

Francis walked out onto a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to lead his weekly prayer in front of hundreds of people, CBS News reports. He was joined on the balcony by some children who are also hospitalized at Gemelli.

The pope was taken to the hospital last Sunday to undergo a scheduled surgery for “severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.” Reports soon after the surgery was performed indicated that the pope, 84, was recovering well, with the Vatican saying he was alert and walking within two days of the procedure.

He had given his normal noon remarks last week, giving no indication that he was going in for surgery just hours later.

“I am happy to be able to keep the Sunday appointment,” Francis told the gathered crowd during his latest appearance, according to CBS. 

“I thank everyone. I very much felt your closeness and the support of your prayers,″ he added. “Thank you from my heart!”

Francis also said his hospitalization was an opportunity to understand “how important a good health service is, accessible to all, as it is in Italy and other countries.”

“We mustn’t lose this precious thing,” he said.