Pope Francis underwent a successful three-hour surgical procedure at a hospital in Rome on Wednesday to repair a hernia.
Doctors reported that the operation was a success, and the Pope is expected to have no restrictions on his future travels and activities once he has recovered.
Speaking to reporters at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Chief Surgeon Doctor Sergio Alfieri, who had previously performed an abdominal operation on Francis in 2021, shared that no other health issues or complications were discovered during the procedure.
“He even joked with me about when we would do the third operation,” the surgeon said.
Dr. Alfieri noted that the 86-year-old Pope responded well to general anesthesia, and he anticipated that Francis would remain in the hospital for approximately 5-7 days.
However, he emphasized the need for caution due to the Pope's age and recent bout of bronchitis, stating that all necessary precautions would be taken regarding the timing of his hospital stay.
Despite the surgery, Pope Francis has two upcoming trips planned for this summer, and Dr. Alfieri expressed confidence that there were no medical reasons for the Pope to alter his schedule.
The only advice given to the Pope was to avoid lifting heavy objects, to which he responded with a humorous remark indicating that he does not engage in weightlifting activities.
The Pope was admitted to the hospital following his regular general audience in St. Peter's Square, showing no signs of impending surgery.
The operation took place at the Catholic-run hospital, which is located a short distance from the Vatican and has a dedicated suite on its 10th floor reserved for popes.
This marks the third hospital stay for Pope Francis since he was elected as the first Latin American pope in 2013. The recent surgery is part of a series of health challenges the pontiff has faced in recent years.
