Pope speaks with Ukrainian woman before returning to Vatican from hospital

Before returning to the Vatican, Leo XIV thanked the staff and received bouquets of flowers and various gifts on the tenth floor of the hospital , where his room was located. Just before getting into the car, he paused for a few minutes near a Ukrainian girl named Varvara, whom he had met on December 31 of last year in St. Peter’s Square. At that time, she was preparing for surgery, and the Pope hugged her and offered words of encouragement. Today, October 17, Varvara has recovered and traveled from Turin to thank the Pope and wish him a speedy recovery. Tomorrow, Sunday, October 18, Pope Leo XIV will lead the “Angelus” prayer from the Apostolic Palace.