Journalists watch the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final match between Italy and Spain in front of Rome's Gemelli hospital on 6 July 2021. (ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Pope Francis continues his recovery in Rome's Agostino Gemelli hospital following surgery Sunday to remove a part of his colon. The Vatican reported Wednesday morning that his post-operative progress "continues to be regular and satisfactory."
"The Holy Father has continued to eat regularly and infusion therapy has been suspended," the Vatican said in a statement from Press Office Director Matteo Bruni at midday Wednesday. The Vatican's statement also said that the final histology report "confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis."
The diagnosis indicates a significant -- and painful --narrowing of the large intestine, a portion of which surgeons removed on Sunday evening at Gemelli, in a three-hour operation.
"Pope Francis," the statement continued, is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer."
