Pope recovering well from surgery but to skip Sunday blessing

Professor Sergio Alfieri and Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni speak to the media at the Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalised for surgery on his abdomen, in Rome, Italy, June 10, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

ROME (Reuters) -Pope Francis' recovery from surgery is going well but doctors advised him not to deliver his Sunday blessing from a hospital balcony to avoid strain on his abdomen.

Briefing reporters at the Gemelli hospital on Saturday, chief surgeon Sergio Alfieri also said the 86-year-old had agreed with doctors to stay there for at least all of next week.