Pope resumes public audiences after intestinal surgery

Pope Francis on Wednesday resumed his weekly audiences with the public, one month after he underwent surgery on his colon.

According to The Associated Press, Francis walked unaided to the center of a stage in a Vatican auditorium where he sat down to address the masked pilgrims and tourists.

During his nearly one hourlong audience, the pope discussed the one-year anniversary of the Beirut explosion and expressed a desire to visit Lebanon, the AP reported.

He also called on the international community to offer “concrete gestures” of help to Lebanon instead of “just words.”

“My desire to visit you is great,” Francis said.

The 84-year-old pontiff was taken to a hospital last month for surgery to treat “severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.” Soon after the procedure, reports indicated that he was recovering well.

One week after his surgery, Francis led his weekly prayer from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

After he gave his remarks Wednesday, Francis greeted the public. He was helped down the stairs by two aides.

“I hope that the coming summer holidays will be a time of refreshment and spiritual renewal for you and your families,” Francis said.

The AP notes that while previous popes preferred to spend the summers in cooler locations like the Vatican’s holiday retreats of the Italian Alps, Francis stays at the Vatican during the summers.