Pope Francis is taking a break from his usual public duties, as advised by his doctors, to focus on his recovery after undergoing recent abdominal surgery. The three-hour-long procedure under general anaesthesia successfully removed painful scarring from previous operations and repaired a hernia, according to surgeon Sergio Alfieri. Although the pontiff’s recovery has been medically uneventful so far, Alfieri emphasizes the importance of prudence in the healing process, citing the risk of further complications if the insertion of prosthetic netting to support the repaired hernia is subjected to extra physical exertion.
As a result, Pope Francis will not participate in the traditional Sunday public blessing, instead opting to recite the traditional Sunday noon prayer privately in his hospital room. The Vatican had previously planned to gather thousands of people in St Peter’s Square for a late-afternoon event to promote brotherhood, a quality close to the pope’s heart, but the event has been cancelled. Instead, a Vatican cardinal will read a speech from Pope Francis.
Pope Francis (Via Pope Francis/Twitter)
Despite his convalescence, the pope is reportedly keeping himself occupied reading newspapers while sitting in an armchair, spending time working and in prayer. No date has been announced for his release from the hospital, and his doctors are closely monitoring his progress. In a Twitter post, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the numerous prayers and expressions of closeness and affection he has received, and asked for continued prayers.
Alfieri, the pope’s surgeon, has stated that Francis is experiencing no complications during or after the surgery, and that he is quietly confident in his patient’s recovery. With time and care, Pope Francis is expected to make a full recovery and return to his duties at the Vatican.
