LES COMBES, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday his guardian angel was clearly acting "on superior orders" when he let the pontiff fall and break his wrist this month.

The 82-year-old pope said in a lighthearted tone that: "Perhaps the Lord wanted to teach me more patience and humility, give me more time for prayer and meditation."

The pope thanked law enforcement officials for being "like angels," as he prepared to depart Les Combes, the Alpine resort where he tripped and hurt his right wrist about 10 days ago while on vacation.

The pope had surgery July 17 and spent the rest of his two-week vacation in a cast.

However, he kept up his limited public schedule.