Pope Francis was cheered as he left Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on Friday.
The pontiff has returned to the Vatican after being hospitalized for more than a week for stomach surgery.
“I’m still alive!” says the narrator. Pope Francis responded to reporters who inquired about his health.
The pope is already slated to conduct the Angelus prayer on Sunday, resuming his customary schedule of public appearances after his healing period.
“The Pope is fine. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, his surgeon, stated that he is “better than before.”
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Pope Francis stopped in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before arriving in Vatican City. After his prior hospitalizations, he made the same prayer halt. He also paid a quick visit to the religious sisters of the Most Holy Child Mary Institute.
On Wednesday, June 7, Francis, 86, underwent a three-hour procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to repair a hernia, which doctors said was compelling enough that he should have no restrictions on his travels and other activities after he recovers.
Doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had produced a partial obstruction during the operation.
Pope Francis visited Gemelli Hospital’s Paediatric Oncology and Child Neurosurgery Ward on Thursday, the institution in Rome where he has been recovering.
He also spoke with medical personnel and Vatican officials in preparation for his eventual release.
The Vatican posted images of the pope’s visits with the young cancer sufferers and thanked them for their support and prayers.
“At the conclusion of the visit,” said Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni, “the pope visited the Paediatric Oncology and Children’s Neurosurgery ward, where the young patients – who have expressed their affection for the pope through numerous letters, drawings, and messages for a speedy recovery – are cared for.”
Despite his return to a semi-regular schedule, Pope Francis will not hold his Wednesday morning audience on June 21.
