Pope thanks hospital staff for post-operation 'fraternal care and attention'

Pope Francis pens a letter of thanks addressed to the President of the Foundation that runs the Gemelli Hospital where he recently underwent abdominal surgery for an abdominal hernia.

Describing Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he was recently operated upon and spent nine days of poster-surgical recovery as “a place of suffering and hope”, Pope Francis sends a letter of gratitude to the entire hospital staff, whose care and attention, he said, were crucial in helping him get better.

In the letter, addressed to Marco Elefanti, President of the “Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Foundation”, the Pope writes of his wish to express gratitude for how he was cared for after his abdominal surgery on 7 June.

The Pope was admitted to the hospital on 7 June where he underwent abdominal surgery to repair a hernia and remove scarring from previous operations. He was discharged on 16 June, with his surgeon, Dr Alfieri, describing him as 'better than before' his nine-day hospitalization.

It was the third time the pontiff received treatment at the hospital after having undergone surgery for a “symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon” in July 2001 and three days of treatment for bronchitis in June 2023.

A place of suffering and hope

“In that place of suffering and hope, once again I was able to enjoy the family-like, fraternal and welcoming atmosphere, which was hugely helpful for my recovery after the operation,” he writes.

The Pope said his “heartfelt appreciation goes to the entire Gemelli Hospital community for its human and spiritual closeness.”

Concluding, he sends his blessings, asks for prayers, and “fraternally” assures Dr Elefanti of his own prayers for him and his family.

A note released by hospital Board Directors said they have shared 'the joy and emotion for the words of the Holy Father,“ with the entire staff.

Linda Bordoni
Source: vaticannews.va