Pope Francis sends his first tweet since last Sunday thanking well-wishers for their prayers and concern over his health and recovery.

Pope Francis sent a tweet at 1:30 pm Rome time on Wednesday thanking people around the world for their kind messages and care regarding his health, as he continues his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following his surgery.

The Pope writes in his tweet: “I am touched by the many caring messages received in these days. I thank everyone for their closeness and prayer.” @Pontifex.

Among the many messages Pope Francis has received, the testimony of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, stands out. In a message yesterday he addressed his “Beloved brother in Christ,” assuring the Pope that, “We pray to the Heavenly Lord to guard and protect you in His mercy, granting you longevity and many fruitful years in your pontificate.”

Several heads of state and government also wished to express their closeness, including, the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-Wen, who sent a message on Monday, July 5.

The same day, the President of the State of Palestine and of the PLO Executive Committee, Mahmoud Abbas, wrote from Ramallah: “Let us all pray together to God to give you health in order to continue in your commitment to the creation of peace and love among peoples”.