The Pope underwent surgery for colon diverticulitis over the weekend.
On Sunday, after conducting the Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis was taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for a surgical procedure to address a symptomatic condition. This was not an emergency procedure; it had been scheduled out in advance, and the procedure went completely according to schedule.
According to a statement from the Holy See communications office, the procedure was intended to address symptomatic stenotic diverticulitis of the Pope’s colon. Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition wherein small sacs or pouches develop within the walls of the afflicted colon. Diverticulitis is a fairly common condition, occurring in more than half of adults in the United States and increasing in occurrence with age. The sacs are usually painless and relatively unnoticeable, though they can become painful and/or bloody in certain cases, necessitating medical intervention.
According to the Pope’s official spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, Pope Francis handled the procedure well, and is currently in recovery. “The Holy Father reacted well to the surgery carried out under general anesthesia,” he said in a written statement.
Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, shared some kind words for the Pope on the official presidential website after the procedure concluded. “Speaking on behalf of all Italians and of myself, we wish to send to Your Holiness our warm regards and the most cordial wishes for a good convalescence and speedy recovery,” the message read.
