ROME (AP) — The Vatican announced on Wednesday that Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from the hospital “in the near future” as he continues to recover well from his abdominal surgery last week, showing no complications.
In the daily medical update provided by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, it was reported that Pope Francis had another restful night, remained active throughout the day, and even participated in a moment of prayer in the chapel of his hospital suite where he received the Eucharist.
The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on June 7 to undergo hernia repair surgery and the removal of intestinal scar tissue that had caused blockages. This comes after a previous procedure in 2021 where 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon were removed at Gemelli due to intestinal narrowing. Additionally, he had undergone several abdominal surgeries in Argentina.
Bruni stated that according to the Pope’s doctors, his recovery is progressing smoothly and without complications, leading to the planned discharge in the coming days.
According to a report by Daily Il Fatto Quotidiano, an email from Cardinal Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, stated that Pope Francis is expected to return to the Vatican on Thursday or Friday.
Despite his recent surgery, Pope Francis already has a busy schedule planned for the upcoming week. This includes a reported meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Additionally, on June 23, he is scheduled to lead an audience in the Sistine Chapel, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the contemporary art collection in the Vatican Museums.
Traditionally, the Vatican cancels papal audiences in July for a summer break, allowing Pope Francis more time to recover before his anticipated trip to Portugal for World Youth Day from August 2 to 6. Furthermore, he has planned visits to Mongolia from August 31 to September 4, making it the first-ever visit by a pope, and a day trip to Marseille, France, on September 23.