CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 23, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Though the cast protecting Benedict XVI’s right wrist has been removed, the Pope jokingly noted that his right hand is still «lazy.»
The Holy Father broke his wrist last month when he tripped over a leg of his bed searching for the light switch in his bedroom at the chalet where he vacationed.
Today, before praying the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Pontiff remarked: «Dear brothers and sisters, you see that the hand has been freed from the cast, but it is still a little lazy! I must remain for a bit in the school of penitence, but we are moving forward!»
The crowd responded with warm applause.
The Holy Father had lamented that he broke his wrist during his days of vacation, since he had wanted to use the leisure time for writing.
In a statement issued Friday the Pope’s personal physician, Patrizio Polisca, said that an X-ray revealed «consolidation of the fracture» and that "the final total result can be defined as optimal.»
Polisca also noted that functional recuperation «will be completed through an adequate rehabilitative program.»
