By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
 
Pope Benedict XVI underwent surgery this morning after falling and breaking his wrist while on vacation in the Italian alps.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the accident occurred on the evening of July 16 when the Pope fell in his room and broke his wrist. However, in spite of the injury, he celebrated Mass and had breakfast before going to the hospital this morning. 

The operation was performed under local anesthesia at Umberto Parini hospital in Aosta. Hospital spokeswoman Tiziano Trevisan said the surgery went well and surgeons were able to successfully realign the broken bone fragments.

The pope has been vacationing at a chalet in the village of Les Combes in the Valle d’Aosta region near the French border since Monday. Pope John Paul II also spent summers at Les Combes and although he prefered hiking, Pope Benedict told reporters at the beginning of this vacation that he intends to spend the time resting and working.

Despite the accident, he is scheduled to remain at Les Combes until July 29, and will make at least two public appearances in the Valle d’Aosta area, including the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday.

One past-time that may be curtailed because of the injury is playing the piano. The 82 year old pontiff is a classical music lover and enjoys playing the piano.
 
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