Pope Francis continues to recover well in hospital

By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis rested well during his third night at the Gemelli Polyclinic, as he continues to recover from his 7 June operation of laparotomy and plastic surgery of the abdominal wall with prosthesis.

The Holy See Press Office announced the news on Saturday morning, explaining that further information will be provided later in the day.

On Friday evening, the Holy See Press Office released a note from the medical staff following the Pope's convalescence saying that Pope Francis' post-operative course continues to follow a normal course.

"His blood pressure parameters are normal," the doctors explained, adding that the Pope "has suspended IV drips and continues to follow a liquid diet."

In the afternoon, the Pope had "gathered in prayer" and "dedicated himself to work activities" and "in the evening received the Eucharist".

The statement released on Friday evening also said that Pope Francis was "touched by the numerous messages he continues to receive in these hours; in particular, he intends to address his thoughts and thanks to the children currently in hospital, for the affection and love received through their drawings and messages."

He also expressed his gratitude to the children, "as well as to the medical staff, nurses, socio-healthcare workers and spiritual assistants who daily touch people's pain with their hands, relieving its burden," for their closeness and prayer.