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 Pontificate of Pope Francis 2022 Scott 1792 Last week it was reported that Pope Francis underwent a three-hour operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The abdominal surgery to repair a hernia was successful, and his doctors reported that the pope should have no limitations on his travels and other activities after he recovers. Doctor Sergio Alfieri, the chief surgeon for the procedure, stated that Pope Francis was alert and responsive following the procedure. This was the second abdominal operation on the pope, who had an initial procedure performed in 2021 by Alfieri. The surgeon said there were no additional ailments or pathologies uncovered during the operation. The pope is expected to stay in the hospital for about a week. Displaying some of his trademark humor, the pope reportedly asked the surgeon when a third operation would be happening. Despite the success of the surgery, Alfieri said that, while the pope is strong, he is elderly and recently had bronchitis so all necessary precautions would be taken during the balance of his hospital stay. The pope has been hospitalized three times since his election in 2013, and the 86-year-old pontiff has had a string of medical problems in recent years. He has appeared frail during public appearances, and has required either a walker or wheelchair to get around during these events. Francis has two trips planned for this summer, and Doctor Alfieri said he saw no medical reason why the pope would have to change his schedule. One caution to the pope was that he should not lift any heavy objects, to which the pontiff reportedly replied: I'm the pope. I don't lift weights. REFERENCE: Reuters, June 7, 2023, Surgery on pope was successful, doctors say he can travel Vatican Philatelic Society website, www.vaticanstamps.org, Stamp Database Search |
