Pope Francis was expected to return to the Vatican after he was released from a Rome hospital on Friday following abdominal surgery for a hernia, the third time in two years that the 86-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized.
Francis left the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital around 8:45, nine days after surgeons operated on what is known as an incisional hernia, typically the consequence of previous operations, that had been causing painful intestinal blockages.
The pope smiled as he left the hospital in a wheelchair along a sidewalk lined with dozens of well-wishers.
Reporters and photographers jostled for his attention, but the pope did not stop.
A reporter for the state broadcaster RAI said she had asked the pope how he was, and he told her: “Still alive.” Asked about the migrants who drowned in the Mediterranean off the Greek coast earlier this week, Francis replied: “So much pain.”
Persons:
Pope Francis, Francis, jostled, Sergio Alfieri, “, ”
Organizations:
RAI
Locations:
Rome