By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Pope Francis is expected to undergo an operation for an abdominal hernia on Wednesday at a Rome hospital, where he will stay for “several days”, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.
Pope Francis who had in 2021 undergone colon surgery is suffering from a hernia which is “causing recurrent, painful and worsening” symptoms, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement.
The 86-year-old Pope on Tuesday visited the Gemelli hospital in Rome where the Vatican said he underwent “clinical tests”.
Francis led his weekly general audience as usual Wednesday, before preparing to head to the Gemelli.
“In the early afternoon he will undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery… under general anaesthesia,” Bruni said.
A laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity.
“The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery,” the Vatican said.
Francis, who has been the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics for a decade, has suffered increasing health issues over the past year.
In July 2021, he underwent surgery at Gemelli for a type of diverticulitis, an inflammation of pockets that develop in the lining of the intestine.
He was discharged after 10 days.
Francis was also hospitalised for three nights at the end of March with bronchitis, which was cured with antibiotics.
He also has persistent pain in his right knee as well as sciatica.
