He was gaining strength. He slowly started talking. At first vaguely, and then it was getting better. All the time he was seeing co-workers, including Vatican ministers. He controlled everything that was happening in the Church. Some Cardinals, such as Cardinal Ratzinger, referred the most important matters to the Holy Father and brought documents to sign.
– For example, what kind?
– Appointments of Bishops or any other decisions, decrees. Curia matters.
– The Holy Father read and signed… Because he still had some issues with speaking?
– In fact, he began to speak already a week after the operation, but at first he spoke very unclearly. And, it was hurting him. In these meetings, it was rather that the Cardinals referred the matter to the Holy Father, and then he was taking the document in his hand, looking as if he was checking it. And, then he was signing it.
On Sunday, March 13, the Holy Father, for the first time after the operation, went out for the “Angelus” prayer and spoke to the faithful. He expressed his gratitude to the pilgrims. He greeted those from Wadowice who came and stood outside the clinic to accompany him in the disease. Then he wished everyone a good week. It provided a lot of emotions for us, but I think it was also very emotional for him. He slowly was returning to form.
– Probably that is the reason that he decided to return home?
– Yes. He said, “I want to go home.” He probably had enough of the hospital. Doctors suggested to stay longer, but it was no longer a discussion. He felt better; maybe not good, but better. And, he was able to speak, and that was the most important for him. In the evening we returned to the Vatican.
– And what has changed in the house?
– Practically doctors lived with us. They were on duty 24 hours a day, on three shifts, so that the Holy Father would have constant medical care.
With the permission of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki –“He liked Tuesdays the most”
M Publishing House, Krakow 2008
