Pope Francis encouraged people to ‘take a break’ from the stresses of modern life following an 11-day hospital stay

The Pope told his followers to stop focusing on their own agendas and to take a break from their mobile phones. He also said we should try to give ourselves some space from the frantic demands of modern life.

“Let us put a halt to the frantic running around dictated by our agendas. Let us learn how to take a break, to turn off the mobile phone,” Pope Francis said.

It was the 84 year old’s first public appearance since having part of his colon removed on July 4. He returned to the Vatican on Wednesday.

Calls for world peace

The Pope also called for the end of civil unrest and protests in South Africa and Cuba, urging for peace instead.

“I am also close to the dear people of Cuba in these difficult times, in particular to the families who especially suffer,” the Pope said.

He also referred to catastrophic floods in recent days in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, which have killed more than 180 people.