Pope Francis will remain at Rome's Gemelli Hospital longer than expected. According to a Vatican communique, the Pope completed the scheduled post-surgery program, but in order to optimize his medical and rehabilitation therapy, he will stay at the hospital for a few more days.
The Vatican had initially announced that Pope Francis would spend seven days at the hospital after undergoing intestinal surgery on July 4.
The Pope seemed to be well on the way to recovery at the Sunday Angelus, which he prayed from a balcony at the hospital.
The Vatican reports that after the Angelus, the Pope greeted hospital patients and medical staff, and celebrated Mass in a private chapel in the afternoon.
He also celebrated the victories of Argentina and Italy's national soccer teams with a few words on the importance of sports, highlighting how sports can teach people how to “face life's challenges, fighting without giving up, with hope and confidence.”
CT
