Following abdominal surgery last week, Pope Francis continues to recuperate, receiving positive reports from his medical team. The pontiff remains in good spirits and is managing Vatican affairs from his hospital room. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni offered an update on Tuesday, stating that the Pope rested well overnight and that recent bloodwork returned normal. Respiratory therapy is ongoing.
Surgeon Sergio Alfieri (left) addressing the media regarding the Pope's health at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
Earlier this week, the 86-year-old Pope underwent a three-hour procedure to address a hernia. The surgery, performed at Gemelli hospital on June 7th, was deemed a success. Physicians anticipate no long-term impact on the Pope's travel schedule or other activities once his recovery is complete. The procedure involved removing adhesions on the intestine that were causing a partial blockage.
Pope Francis offering a rose and praying before the relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in St. Peter's Square. (Andrew Medichini)
The Vatican Press Office indicated on Saturday that the Pope is undertaking a careful recovery process to minimize strain on the abdominal wall and promote healing of the implanted mesh and muscle repair. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Gemelli hospital, reported on Friday that the Pope awoke from surgery in good spirits, even sharing a lighthearted moment with the medical staff. Dr. Alfieri recounted the Pope jokingly asking, "When will we do the third one?"
Surgeon Sergio Alfieri speaking to reporters about Pope Francis's condition at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
