Wrist Injury Hasn't Stopped Benedict XVI

As you see, because of my accident, I am a bit limited in my movements, but my heart is fully present, and I am here with you with great joy!

ROMANO CANAVESE, Italy (Zenit.org) - Benedict XVI is expressing gratitude for the well wishes received after he fractured his wrist in a fall Thursday evening at his vacation chalet in northern Italy.

The Pope affirmed this today while addressing the crowd gathered to pray the midday Angelus in the Ruggia Plaza of Romano Canavese, close to Les Combes in the Aosta Valley, where he has been spending some days of rest.

Today he is visiting the city where his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, was born, and the church where he was baptized.

The Holy Father raised his hands to greet the crowds, showing his cast and telling them, "As you see, because of my accident, I am a bit limited in my movements, but my heart is fully present, and I am here with you with great joy!"

The Pontiff wholeheartedly thanked everyone, affirming that "many have shown me, at this time, their closeness, their warmth, their affection and have prayed for me."
In this way, he added, "they have reinforced the network of prayer that unites us in every part of the world."

The Holy Father noted the diligence and competence of the Aosta doctors, who "treated me [...] with success."
On Saturday, the director of the Vatican press office, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, affirmed that Benedict XVI was recovering well after the fracture and subsequent surgery.

"His general condition is good," the spokesman said, and the day after surgery was "entirely normal."

The priest acknowledged that the Pope was having to learn to live with his right wrist in a cast, including "the inconveniences that go along with this."

Father Lombardi continued, "For him, the most painful thing is having to give up writing with his hand, something he intended to do a lot of during these days."
The spokesman affirmed that despite the injury, the

Pontiff would not be changing his program for the upcoming days, and will still stay at Les Combes for the duration planned, until July 29.

On Friday, he will celebrate Vespers at the Cathedral of Aosta and on July 26 he will pray the midday Angelus with the faithful at the residence of Les Combes.