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Pope gets surgery on wrist after fall
July-17-09
CTV.ca News Staff
Pope Benedict XVI is recovering after undergoing surgery for a broken wrist, suffered when he slipped in his bath while vacationing in the Italian Alps.
"He slipped in his bath this morning. He was taken to hospital for check-ups. It's nothing serious," said Vatican spokesperson Rev. Federico Lombardi.
The operation was performed under local anesthesia and went well, said hospital officials in the northwestern town of Aosta.
Surgeons operated on the wrist to reduce the fracture, a procedure to realign the broken bone.
The Vatican said the 82-year-old pontiff fell in a chalet, but was still able to celebrate Mass and have breakfast before going to the hospital.
Reports say he walked into the clinic, accompanied by an aide.
Doctors took an X-ray of the pope's right wrist and found a fracture.
Benedict has been healthy during his five-year pontificate. There have been no reports of medical problems.
Benedict has been vacationing at a chalet in the village of Les Combes in the Valle d'Aosta region near the French border since Monday.
His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, also spent several summers at Les Combes. While John Paul liked to hike, Benedict spends most of his time inside the chalet that looks out on Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps.
Benedict has spent two summers at Les Combes in recent years. He said upon arrival that he expected to rest and work during his vacation.
Benedict is scheduled to be away until July 29, making at least two public appearances in the Valle d'Aosta area. He is expected to stick to his schedule despite the accident.
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