Pope Francis, Who Underwent Surgery for a Chronic Illness, Discharged After Ten Days

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Pope Francis, who underwent surgery for a chronic illness, was discharged from the hospital after ten days, local media including Italy's ANSA reported on the 14th (local time).

According to the reports, the Pope left the hospital in his usual vehicle and headed to Vatican City.

The 84-year-old Pope underwent surgery for colonic stenosis on the 4th at the Catholic Gemelli General Hospital in Rome. The surgery, which involved removing a portion of the colon, lasted about three hours.

The surgery was successfully completed, and the recovery process was reportedly smooth.

The Pope began walking in the hospital corridors two days after the surgery, and in recent days, he has recovered enough to carry out routine duties.

Initially, the Holy See had announced that based on the doctors' opinions immediately after the surgery, the Pope was expected to stay in the hospital for about a week if there were no special complications, but the hospitalization period was somewhat longer than expected.

Considering his advanced age, it is reported that the medical team decided to continue close monitoring until he fully recovers.

Earlier, Matteo Bruni, the Holy See spokesperson, explained during the regular briefing on the 12th regarding the Pope's health that he would stay hospitalized a few more days to maximize the effects of medical and rehabilitation therapies.

On the 11th, the Pope led the Sunday Angelus prayer from the balcony on the 10th floor of the main building where his hospital room is located. This was his first official external event since the surgery.

This is the first time since John Paul II that a Pope has led the Sunday Angelus prayer from Gemelli Hospital.

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