Pope Francis undergoes bowel surgery

Pope Francis is expected to undergo intestinal surgery on Wednesday and remain in hospital for several days, the Vatican said, raising new concerns about the pope’s health.

The pope, 86, was taken to Rome’s Policlinico A. Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday for what the Vatican said at the time was routine medical checks. The Vatican said on Wednesday its medical team had determined surgery under general anesthesia was necessary.

Francis held his weekly general audience as scheduled on Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square. Looking serene, he shook hands with the faithful and allowed several children to board the so-called Popemobile as it was wheeled across the square.

This is the second time in just over two months that Francis has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital. At the end of March, he was hospitalized for three days for treatment of bronchitis.

The pope has had a number of health issues, including major colon surgery in 2021, and now often uses a cane or wheelchair due to knee problems and sciatica.