Staff Reporter

Pope Francis's stay in hospital following the operation on July 4 was originally slated for five days. That prediction was extended last week, and Pope Francis prayed the Angelus in hospital. On Monday, the Vatican announced that he would remain in hospital some days more.

"A man of justice, peace and unity," Pope Francis writes, "[the late Cardinal Monswengo] has been deeply involved in integral human development in the Democratic Republic of Congo."

"Free health care," the pope said, "that assures good service, accessible to everyone," is a "precious benefit" that "must not be lost."

Pope Francis is resting after undergoing a planned three-hour operation on July 4, for what the Vatican described as symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon. Pope Francis has been touched by the many messages of support received following his operation. He will recite the <i>Angelus</i> prayer from his hospital room on July 11, 2021.

"At this particular moment," Bruni said, "[Pope Francis] looks toward all those who suffer, expressing his closeness to the sick, especially those most in need of care."