The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, has stated that:

The medical staff inform us that Pope Francis rested well during the night. The clinical course is proceeding regularly. The haematochemical examinations are in the normal range.

Yesterday evening he dined in company with those who have been assisting him since the day of his admission.

This morning, as a sign of thanks, he received the entire operating team consisting of the medical staff, nurses, social and health workers and auxiliary staff who coordinated, performed and made the surgery possible on 7 June.

He then met with Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, general ecclesiastical assistant of the Catholic University, and Don Nunzio Currao, spiritual assistant of the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital staff; then the representatives of the Board of Directors of the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation Policlinico Gemelli, with the president, Mr. Carlo Fratta Pasini, and the rector of the Catholic University, Professor Franco Anelli, together with the management bodies of the hospital, with the general director, Professor Marco Elefanti.

At the end of the visit, he went to the paediatric oncology and neurosurgery ward which cares for the young patients who have expressed their affection to the Pope in recent days through numerous letters, drawings and messages of speedy recovery. Pope Francis touched the pain of these children who carry the suffering of the Cross on their shoulders every day, together with their mothers and fathers. He gave a rosary and a book to each of them.

In greeting those present, His Holiness thanked all the medical staff for their professionalism and their efforts to alleviate the suffering of others, not only with medication, but also with tenderness and humanity.

The health team that is following Pope Francis confirmed the Holy Father's discharge from Agostino Gemelli Hospital in the morning tomorrow, Friday 16 June.