Pope Francis Leaves Hospital 10 Days after Surgery

Pope Francis was seen leaving hospital in Rome on Wednesday, 10 days after undergoing surgery to remove half his colon.

A car carrying the 84-year-old was spotted leaving Gemelli Polytechnic hospital in the Italian capital on Wednesday morning, according to witnesses.

Francis had half of his colon removed for a severe narrowing of his large intestine on July 4, his first major surgery since he became a pope in 2013. The surgery was scheduled for early July when the pope’s audiences were suspended and Francis would normally take some time off.

The Pope made his first public appearance from hospital balcony, on Sunday, following the surgery. He stood for about 10 minutes on the balcony, offering warm thanks for all the prayers for his recovery and calling health care for all a “precious” good.

In addition, some children, who are also hospitalized at the polyclinic, were standing besides him. The crowd below clapped often, in encouragement.

“I am happy to be able to keep the Sunday appointment,” this time at the hospital, the pope said. “I thank everyone. I very much felt your closeness and the support of your prayers.″

He described his hospitalization as an opportunity to understand “how important a good health service is, accessible to all, as it is in Italy and other countries.”

“We mustn’t lose this precious thing,” he stated, adding his appreciation and encouragement for all the health care workers and personnel at hospitals.