Following abdominal surgery earlier this week, Pope Francis is reportedly recovering well, according to Vatican officials. The 86-year-old pontiff underwent a laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday, June 7th, a procedure that drew both surprise and concern from Catholics globally.

Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni reassured the public on Friday, stating that the Pope's clinical picture is steadily improving and his post-operative progress is normal. The surgery, a three-hour procedure to repair a hernia, was deemed successful. Doctors anticipate no limitations on the Pope's future travel or activities once he fully recovers.

Bruni provided further updates, sharing that the Pope has been mobile, spending a portion of his mornings in an armchair, reading newspapers, and resuming his work. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Gemelli hospital, added that the Pope is in good spirits, even joking with medical staff, asking, "When will we do the third one?"

The surgery addressed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that were causing a partial blockage. Dr. Alfieri disclosed that this was not the Pope's first abdominal surgery. In addition to a 2021 colon surgery, he underwent procedures prior to 2013 in Argentina, which also contributed to the scarring.

While acknowledging the Pope's resilience, Dr. Alfieri emphasized the need for caution given his age and recent bout of bronchitis. As a precautionary measure, the Vatican has canceled all papal audiences until June 18th.