The Vatican confirmed that the operation for an abdominal hernia that Pope Francis underwent at the Gemelli hospital in Rome was successful and ended without complications. The surgery, which lasted approximately three hours, included the use of general anesthesia.
The Holy See reported that the Supreme Pontiff will remain in the hospital for a few days while he recovers. In addition, he stressed that the Prefecture of the Papal Household, in charge of managing the pontiff’s agenda, suspended its activities until June 18.
The medical team in charge of the surgery was led by the renowned surgeon Sergio Alfieri, who previously operated on Pope Francis’ colon in 2021. On this occasion, the surgery performed was a laparotomy for an abdominal incisional hernia, which would have arisen as a consequence from the previous operation on the colon; surgical intervention was necessary to avoid a possible intestinal obstruction.
The Holy See explained: “The operation, planned in recent days by the medical team assisting the Pope, became necessary due to an incarcerated incisional hernia that is causing recurrent, painful, and worsening subocclusive syndromes.”
This is the third time that Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital. The first time was in 2021 for colon surgery, the second in March of this year for acute pneumonia and, finally, the third was for this abdominal surgery.
The health of Pope Francis is a matter of concern for millions of faithful around the world, and his recovery is expected to be favourable. The suspension of his schedule until mid-June will allow the Supreme Pontiff the necessary time to rest and fully recover before resuming his usual activities.