The spiritual leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics has suffered several health issues in the last year, but the pontiff is recovering well from his operation, the Vatican has said.
Ednews informs via foreign media that the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is recovering well from a hernia operation, Holy See spokesperson Matteo Bruni said on Thursday.
The pope underwent three hours of open abdominal surgery under general anesthesia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday. He is currently on a liquid diet and is expected to stay at the hospital for at least five days. However, his age and recent bouts of illness may lengthen the recovery time, the Vatican said.
The Vatican has canceled all planned audiences until June 18 as a precaution.
"Pope Francis passed a quiet night and managed to have a lengthy rest," the Vatican said. "He is in a generally good condition, is alert and is breathing without assistance."
Lead medic Sergio Alfieri on Wednesday said the pope was "awake, alert and was joking again" after the procedure. He tolerated two anesthetics, the doctor said, quelling concerns that there could be difficulties since Francis did not take well to anesthetics two years ago for his intestinal surgery.
Pope Francis is being informed about all his well-wishers meanwhile, Bruni said. The pontiff thanked them but asked for further prayers for his health.
