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Pope Benedict XVI joked Wednesday that his guardian angel had not prevented his fall earlier this month, "most probably on orders from above" to teach him patience.
The 82-year-old pontiff, who is on holiday in northern Italy, fell and broke his wrist on July 17. His arm is still in plaster but doctors have said he is recovering well.
"Unfortunately my guardian angel, most probably on orders from above, did not prevent this incident," he told reporters.
"Perhaps the Lord wanted to teach me to have more patience and humility and give me more time for prayer and meditation," he added.
The pontiff was speaking before leaving the mountain village of Les Combes and returning to his summer residence in the hill town of Castel Gandolfo outside Rome where he traditionally stays until late September.
