You need tremendous spirituality to stop yourself falling into the abyss.” Betancourt, 46, said she had made herself a wooden rosary in the jungle.
Pope Benedict XVI has invited her to meet him next week.
Betancourt, 46, whose father was a Colombian diplomat in Paris, studied in France and married a French diplomat, attaining dual citizenship. They divorced, but their two children campaigned for their mother’s release, helping make her a French icon of suffering and endurance.
Betancourt was among 15 hostages, including three Americans and 11 members of the Colombian security services, rescued by Colombian forces in a daring mission Wednesday.
The three Americans were flown to San Antonio after their release and remained in Texas on Friday, undergoing what was described as a voluntary reintegration process at Fort Sam Houston.
