This archive report was first published on 11 July 2021.
Pope Francis, 84, has been recovering in Rome's Gemelli hospital since last Sunday after undergoing planned surgery for an inflammation of the colon.
On Sunday, he greeted supporters from the 10th floor balcony of his hospital room, expressing his gratitude for their prayers and support.
"I am glad to be able to keep the Sunday Angelus appointment, even here," he said, referring to the traditional Sunday prayer session.
He also praised the quality of healthcare in Italy and other countries, emphasizing the importance of accessible and good healthcare for all.
"A healthcare system that assures good service, accessible to everyone. This precious benefit must not be lost. It needs to be kept," Francis said.
Francis temporarily ran a fever after his operation, but a chest and abdomen scan and other tests revealed no particular abnormalities.
He expressed his appreciation and encouragement to the doctors and all healthcare workers and hospital staff, asking people to pray for all the sick, especially for those in the most difficult conditions.
