Source: Robert Besser
ROME, Italy: Pope Francis, recovering following intestinal surgery, had his condition described as “regular and satisfactory,” the Vatican said Wednesday.
The Vatican also disclosed that the surgery was brought on due to the Pope suffering from a “severe” narrowing of his colon.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has reported that the 84-year-old pope is now eating following the Sunday surgery to remove the left side of his colon.
Bruni said medical examinations prior to surgery “confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis,” or a hardening of the sacs in the lining of the intestine.
The Sunday surgery took three hours. The Pope is expected to stay in Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, which has a special suite used by popes, through the week.
During a Tuesday briefing in Washington D.C., White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden “wishes him well and a speedy recovery.”
While the Pope is hospitalized the Vatican has operated normally in his absence, though the pope cancels public and private audiences every July.
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” Bruni said.
