Pope Francis Recovers Well Following Abdominal Surgery

Pope Francis has emerged from abdominal surgery in good spirits, even jesting minutes after regaining consciousness, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the surgeon responsible for the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Alfieri, who also oversaw the Pope’s colon surgery for diverticulitis last year, reassured that the 86-year-old Pontiff’s health conditions, including the recently treated incisional hernia, were benign and should not hamper his upcoming travel plans to Portugal and Mongolia.

The hernia was potentially an after-effect of previous surgeries Francis underwent in Argentina, including treatment for peritonitis. The Pope decided to address the recurring pain it caused, leading to the operation on June 7th.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the surgery was successful and without complications.

Expressing gratitude for the outpour of prayers, Pope Francis is expected to resume his duties even while recovering at the hospital, as confirmed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The Pope’s audiences are suspended until June 18th, the Diocese of Teramo-Atri announced, adding its faithful were asked to offer special prayers for Francis’ recovery on the solemnity of Corpus Christi.

Pope Francis, battling persistent knee pain and other health issues recently, still maintains a robust schedule.

Prior to his surgery, he prayed before a relic of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and plans to issue an apostolic letter in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s birth.

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