The Pope’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, says that the Pope’s recovery from July 4 colon surgery is going well, even if slowly.

“It takes its time even for him,” Cardinal Parolin said in an interview this week by La Voce del Nordest, a web magazine based in Trentino, where the Pope’s No. 2 has gone for a few days of rest amidst the scenery of the Conca di Primiero in northern Italy.

The 84-year-old Pontiff had colon surgery on July 4 and spent 10 days in Gemelli Hospital. When he left, he paid a visit to St. Mary Major to thank Our Lady for his recovery, though news media noted that he did so in a wheelchair.

“It seems to me that he is recovering well,” Cardinal Parolin said. “He is made of strong stuff.”

The Secretary of State noted the Pope’s return to his commitments, not only the weekly General Audience, but also the trip planned for September with stops in Hungary and Slovakia.

In late July, on the first ever World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, the Pope had to forego celebrating a public Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. He did prepare the homily, however, which was read by a cardinal in his place.

Read more:Pope: Healthcare workers work so hard!

Read more:Pope challenges culture: We need grandparents and youth talking again