Pope using armchair, reading newspapers at Rome's Gemelli Hospital

By Vatican News staff writer

Doctors say Pope Francis is recovering well, starting to use an armchair, and read newspapers.

Friday afternoon, the Holy See Press Office expressed this in an update regarding Pope Francis' recovery following his surgery on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Director of the Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said: "The medical team reports that the clinical picture is progressively improving and the post-operative course is regular."

"After breakfast, His Holiness began to move about, spending most of the morning in an armchair. This allowed him to read the newspapers and start work again."

In a message to accredited journalists on Friday morning, via Telegram, on Friday morning, the Press Office said the Pope had another good night. The Press Office Director said the Pope rested well.

Pope to resume normal activities, travel after rest period

On Wednesday after the surgery, the Pope's surgeon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, told reporters that there were no complications, and that the Pope was conscious, alert, and joking after surgery. Dr Alfieri said the Pope should eventually be able to resume travel and his normal activities, but should not lift heavy objects.

As a standard precaution, the Pope will stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days.

On Wednesday evening, the Holy See Press Office announced that his audiences have been suspended until 18 June.

Regular post-operative course

On Thursday afternoon, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, wrote, "His Holiness Pope Francis spent a day resting. The medical staff following the Pontiff's post-operative course reports that he has been fed a liquid diet. His haemodynamic (blood pressure) and respiratory parameters are stable. The post-operative course appears regular.

This afternoon, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, he received the Eucharist.  Among the many messages of closeness, he was touched by the affection of the family of little Miguel Angel, baptised by Pope Francis last 31 March during his visit to the paediatric oncology and neurosurgery wards of the hospital, who sent him a poster wishing him a speedy recovery.  The Holy Father personally thanked the mother with a brief phone call."

Good overall condition

In an earlier statement to journalists Thursday afternoon, Matteo Bruni, said: "The medical staff following the post-operative progress of the Pontiff reports that Pope Francis spent a quiet night, managing to rest for a long time; he is in good overall condition, and is alert and breathing on his own."

"The routine follow-up examinations are good. He will take the necessary post-operative rest for the whole day."

"The Pope has been made aware of the messages of closeness and affection that have arrived in the last few hours, and has expressed his gratitude, while at the same time asking for continued prayers."

Prayers from US, entire world

Messages of closeness and best wishes for a speedy recovery continue to pour in from around the world.

The President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, issued a statement praying for the Holy Father.

“As Pope Francis recovers from surgery, he is strengthened by faith in the healing power of our merciful God. Please keep Pope Francis and all those in the hospital in your prayers today and every day. Jesus always walks with us and is even closer whenever we need healing and comfort,” he said.