Vatican says Pope Francis had “calm” Friday in hospital

A homeless man holds a sign reading “Let us pray for Pope Francis” at the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome on 9 July 2021.
(FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Francis continues his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, after surgery there last Sunday to remove part of his colon.

According to a bulletin released at midday in Rome, Pope Francis’s Friday was “calm” and saw “the expected clinical progress.”

The update on the pope’s health came from the Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni. It said the pope’s  bloodwork is “satisfactory” and noted that he is “continuing the prescribed treatment,” but was short on details regarding that treatment.

“He is gradually resuming work,” Bruni’s statement said, “and continues to stroll in the corridor of the apartment.”

On Friday afternoon, Pope Francis again said Mass in his hospital suite’s private chapel, and dined in the evening “with those who are assisting him during these days.”

The Saturday update also said Pope Francis “has addressed a special thought to all those who with care and compassion choose the face of suffering, engaging in a personal relationship with the sick, especially the most fragile and vulnerable,” after “experiencing first-hand the human dedication of the medical and health personnel assisting him.”

Earlier this week, the Press Office of the Holy See announced that Pope Francis would be reciting the Sunday Angelus from the window of his hospital suite.