The Vatican said Pope Francis is expected to undergo bowel surgery on Wednesday and stay in hospital for several days, raising new concerns about the pope’s health.
The pope, 86, was taken to the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital in Rome on Tuesday for what the Vatican said at the time was a routine medical examination. The Vatican said on Wednesday that his medical team had determined that surgery under general anesthesia was necessary.
Pope Francis held his scheduled weekly general audience Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square. He appeared serene, shaking hands with the faithful and allowing some children to board a car called a popemobile while he drove around the square.
This is the second time in just over two months that Francis has been admitted to Gemelli hospital. At the end of March, he was hospitalized because three days to treat bronchitis.
The Pope has addressed a number of health issues, including major colon surgery in 2021and now often uses a cane or a wheelchair because of knee problems and sciatica.
