Pope Francis to undergo intestinal surgery, will be hospitalized for several days, Vatican says

Pope Francis was admitted to a Rome hospital Wednesday and will undergo surgery on his intestine, the latest in a series of health challenges the pontiff has faced.

In a statement, the Vatican said Francis, 86, will be hospitalized at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital for several days and will be put under general anesthesia for the procedure.

The operation is necessary, the Vatican said, due to a hernia causing "recurrent, painful and worsening" symptoms.

According to Vatican News, he will remain in the hospital for several days “to allow for a normal post-operative course and full functional recovery."

In May, he canceled meetings after running a fever and in March, he was hospitalized for three days after being diagnosed with bronchitis. He also received colon surgery in 2021 and ocular surgery in 2019. Over the past year, he has used a cane or wheelchair to help with his knee troubles.

The Vatican has confirmed that in addition to his daily audiences, Francis has several upcoming trips, including a four-day visit to Portugal in early August for World Youth Day and a trip to Mongolia beginning Aug. 31.

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Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Francis surgery: Pontiff, age 86, hospitalized for procedure