The Pope at the Angelus, 'now I will gradually resume activities'

"I will gradually resume my activities with the help of God and your prayers." The Pope said this at the Angelus where he appeared smiling and in good shape after his rapid hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli polyclinic for the removal of part of his lung. His appearance from the window of the apostolic palace, punctually at midday, was greeted by warm applause from the crowd who then immediately gathered in religious silence to listen to his first words after Tuesday's operation.

"I would like to thank all those who have prayed for me in recent days, I really felt your support, thank you! I express particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of the Gemelli polyclinic", he began.

"This experience - he added - made me feel in a particular way the closeness to those who are going through illness and a condition of infirmity. Once this delicate phase has been overcome, as you know, I will now gradually resume my activities".

"Thanks again, thanks to everyone - he said again - and happy Sunday!". At the end of the Angelus recitation, the Pope blessed the crowd without showing any particular problems in the movements of his arms and took leave of the faithful with a slightly moved smile.