Rome, July 19: Pope Benedict XVI presided Sunday over his first public ceremony since breaking his wrist three days ago, reciting the Angelus prayer in a small northwestern Italian town, close to his Alpine holiday retreat.
The 82-year-old pontiff also imparted the traditional blessing – raising his right arm and displaying a bandaged forearm and wrist where plaster was applied on Friday during surgery to treat the fracture.
Benedict broke his wrist on Thursday night during a fall at a chalet in Les Combes di Introd where he began a two-week holiday on Monday.
“As you can see, due to my injury I am a bit limited (in my actions) but the joy in my heart is full,” the pontiff said smiling to a few hundred faithful gathered before him in Romano Canavese.
The ceremony was held in a small square situated in front of the local parish church which is named after the apostle Saint Peter and more obscure 3rd Century martyr, Saint Solutore.
Confessing he did not know much about Saint Solutore, Benedict, who appeared in good spirits, joked that it “always gives me pleasure in my travels to get to know new saints.”
In his address, the pontiff also praised Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone who was born in Romano Canavese.
Bertone was also baptised in the parish church, the same where the Holy See’s Number Two official, also celebrated Sunday Mass before the Pope’s Angelus.
“I salute him with affection and thank him for his generous service,” Benedict said of Bertone, who he described as “my closest aide.”
Italian media have viewed Benedict’s decision to visit Romano Canavese as a public display of confidence in Bertone.
The Secretary of State, who acts as a sort of prime minister, has drawn criticism for the Vatican’s handling of several issues, including the controversy earlier this year over Benedict’s pardoning of four ultra-traditionalist bishops, one of whom is accused of Holocaust denial.
In his address, Benedict, encouraging them “not to become discouraged,” also referred to people experiencing “economic difficulties,” in the area, which is situated close to the industrial city of Turin.
Following the ceremony, Benedict departed for Les Combes where he is scheduled to stay until his return to Rome on July 29.
—–Agencies