Pope Francis was hospitalized Wednesday for abdominal surgery and the Vatican announced that the three-hour procedure had no complications, according to the Associated Press.
The Pope had abdominal surgery in 2021 for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon which caused some discomfort for the pontiff before being released, according to Vatican News. The Vatican made the announcement Wednesday that Francis had come through the “laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery” with no complications and would remain admitted to Gemelli Hospital for several days, according to the Associated Press. (RELATED: Pope’s Altar Reconsecrated After Naked Protestor Breaches Vatican Security)
A Vatican spokesperson released a statement prior to the surgery, saying that it had been decided upon due to the pope experiencing “painful … syndromes,” according to Vatican News.
“The surgery, decided upon over the past few days by the medical team assisting the Holy Father, became necessary due to an incisional laparocele (hernia) that is causing recurrent, painful and worsening sub-occlusive syndromes,” the statement from the Holy See Press Office read.
Pope Francis prays in front of the statue of the Immaculate Conception at Spanish Steps December 8, 2013, in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
The announcement noted that Francis will be in the hospital for several days following the procedure so doctors can monitor his health, according to Vatican News. The pope was admitted to the hospital on June 2 for a fever before being sent home a few hours later, and then was reported to have been taken back to the hospital Tuesday for a consultation and check-up.
The Vatican informed the press that “as a precautionary measure, all audiences are suspended until June 18.” Francis was also taken to the hospital in an ambulance in March for bronchitis after suffering “breathing issues” for several days.
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