Pope Francis Returns to Vatican After Roman Hospital Lung Surgery

Pope Francis departed Gemelli Hospital in Rome today, nine days after undergoing a laparotomy and plastic surgery with mesh prosthetic for a recurrent incisional hernia. The Vatican confirmed his return to the Vatican City.

The 86-year-old pontiff underwent a three-hour operation on 7 June under general anaesthesia. Surgeons noted a build-up of scar tissue from previous operations, which had caused painful intestinal obstructions. The surgical team reported no complications and described the Pope's recovery as 'completely normal'.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the Pope's surgeon, stated that the pontiff would need to avoid lifting weights to ensure the mesh fully integrates into his abdominal wall. The Pope is expected to resume his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer and blessing from St. Peter's Square this weekend, a staple of his public schedule.

This marks the Pope's third hospitalisation since 2021, when he underwent colon surgery. Last year, he was admitted for bronchitis, further underscoring ongoing health challenges for the head of the Catholic Church.