Pope Francis on Sunday made his first public appearance since major intestinal surgery last week, offering hearty thanks for the prayers for his recovery and calling health care for all a “precious” good.
Standing on the balcony with him were some children who are also hospitalized at Gemelli, a major Catholic teaching hospital on the outskirts of Rome. The crowd below clapped often.
Francis underwent three hours of abdominal surgery under general anesthesia on July 4, and later that night was described by the Holy See as having responded well.
Reading from prepared remarks Sunday, he kept one or both hands on a lectern for support, including when he raised an arm in blessing. The pope praised the “tenderness” of those who care for the sick, which he said was “like a caress that makes you feel better, eases the pain and picks you up.”
“In these days of hospitalization, I experienced yet again how important a good health service is, accessible to all, as it is in Italy and other countries,” Francis said.
“We mustn’t lose this precious thing,” the pope said. He added that “sometimes it happens in the (Catholic) church that some health care institution, because of poor management, doesn’t go well economically, and the first thought that comes to our mind is to sell it,” he said. “But the vocation in the church is not to have money, it’s to give service.”
Francis added his appreciation for all the health care workers, then, referring to the pediatric patients on the balcony with him, said “why do children suffer?”
“Why children suffer is a question that touches the heart,” Francis said, asking prayers for them.
As he usually does on Sundays, Francis spoke of current events and of issues close to his heart. He reiterated his closeness to Haiti’s people, as he recalled the assassination last week of its president and the wounding of the first lady. Francis prayed that the people of Haiti could “start going down a path toward a future of peace and of harmony.”
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