Learn to switch off, says pope in first appearance at Vatican after hospital stay
Reuters
Published Jul 18, 2021 06:16AM ET
Updated Jul 18, 2021 07:10AM ET
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis made his first public appearance since returning to the Vatican mid-week after an 11-day hospital stay, telling wellwishers they should take a break and switch off from the stresses of modern life.
"Let us put a halt to the frantic running around dictated by our agendas. Let us learn how to take a break, to turn off the mobile phone," Pope Francis said in his weekly address from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square.
The 84-year-old pope had part of his colon removed in an operation on July 4 -- the first time that Francis has faced a significant health concern during his eight-year papacy.
He returned to the Vatican on Wednesday, where he needed help from assistants to get out of his car. He looked well on Sunday, speaking in a relatively clear voice although not as strong as before his hospitalisation. He did not mention his stay in hospital.
Hundreds of people were gathered in the sunny square and cheered when he appeared at the open window.
As is often the case, at the end of his address the pope mentioned some of the events dominating world headlines.
He urged an end to the recent public unrest in South Africa and called for peace and dialogue in Cuba after unprecedented, protests rocked the Communist-run country.
"I am also close to the dear people of Cuba in these difficult times, in particular to the families who especially suffer," Francis said to cheers.
He also referred to catastrophic floods in recent days in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, which have killed more than 180 people.
Get The News You Want
Written By: Reuters
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.