Pope Francis to undergo abdominal surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome
On Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis is set to undergo surgery on his abdomen at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to the Vatican. The hernia operation aims to address the recurrent and increasingly painful symptoms caused by the hernia, as confirmed by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. The surgery, which will involve a laparotomy and abdominal wall procedure under general anesthesia, will be followed by a recovery period of several days, allowing for an ordinary post-operative course and complete functional recovery.
The 86-year-old Pope has encountered various health challenges recently and relies on a cane and wheelchair due to a persistent knee ailment. Earlier this week, he visited the same hospital for a scheduled check-up following a previous hospitalization for bronchitis. In March, he spent three days in the hospital to receive treatment for a lung infection, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of his pontificate.
In 2021, Pope Francis underwent a surgical procedure to remove a portion of his colon to address a painful bowel condition, resulting in a 10-day hospital stay. Last month, he canceled his Friday audiences due to a fever. Despite these health concerns, the Pope remains committed to his responsibilities. He has expressed his intention to continue leading the Church, stating that it is the intellect, not physical limitations, that guides the Church’s affairs. He maintains a busy schedule, with upcoming visits to Portugal and Mongolia scheduled for August.
