Vatican: "Pope Recovering After Surgery for Colonic Stricture"

First Hospitalization for Health Reasons Since Accession

Pope Francis [Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Pope Francis underwent surgery for colonic stenosis, a narrowing of part of the colon, at a general hospital in Rome, Italy, on the afternoon of the 4th (local time) and is reported to be recovering safely.

According to AP News and others, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis, who is 84 years old this year, underwent surgery for colonic stenosis under general anesthesia.

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, stated in a press release, "The Pope is recovering well after the scheduled surgery." Bruni added that the surgery was planned and that there would be further announcements regarding the post-surgery situation.

No details about the surgery or how long the Pope will remain hospitalized were mentioned.

On the same day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, while visiting Paris, France, said, "On behalf of the Italian people, I wish the Pope a speedy recovery."

Colonic stenosis is a disease typically seen in the elderly and is known to cause abdominal pain due to the contraction of the intestines.

The current appearance of Rome's Gemelli General Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The hospital where the Pope is recovering after surgery is the Catholic Gemelli General Hospital in Rome. This hospital is also famous for treating Pope John Paul II when he was critically wounded by a Turkish assailant in 1981.

This is the first time Pope Francis has been hospitalized for health reasons since his inauguration in 2013.

On the morning of the day before his hospitalization, Pope Francis appeared healthy and carried out his scheduled public engagements. Until then, there had been no mention of surgery, and just before concluding his public schedule, he told the citizens, "Please do not forget to pray for me."

Pope Francis is known to have had part of his lung removed due to an illness he experienced at age 21, which sometimes causes him breathing difficulties. He is also reported to occasionally suffer from sciatica, which causes pain in his legs and lower back.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.