Pope Francis is currently undergoing an operation at the Polyclinic Gemelli in Rome, announced the director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, on July 4, 2021. He is to undergo “scheduled” surgery for “symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon."
A French anesthetist contacted by I.MEDIA said that this operation is benign for the elderly, even if other complications are discovered "onsite." However, the procedure requires general anesthesia which tires the patient, he emphasized.
The operation will be performed by Professor Sergio Alfieri, a doctor specializing in rectal colon surgery. A new medical bulletin will be issued at the end of the operation.
An operation scheduled at the start of the holidays
This operation, scheduled for this Sunday afternoon, shortly after the Pope's address during the Angelus, comes as the Vatican summer holiday has just begun. Each summer, the Pope does not hold the general audience for a month.
The Holy Father’s next public meeting, however, takes place on July 11 during the midday Angelus prayer, a weekly engagement maintained throughout the vacation period.
