By Jones Gadama
Pope Francis is recovering well after undergoing surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, and is expected to leave the hospital soon.
The 86-year-old Pope underwent a three-hour surgery to repair an incisional hernia, which was causing him recurrent pain.
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the Pope is “awake, alert, and already made his first joke” just 10 minutes after the surgery.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who also operated on the Pope in July 2021 to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis

The Pope’s recovery has been remarkable, with Bruni stating that he is expected to leave the hospital on Monday .
During his stay in the hospital, the Pope has been working from his hospital bed, and has even received several guests, including the hospital’s chaplain and the director general of the hospital.
The Pope’s health has been a concern in recent years, with several hospitalizations due to various ailments, including a lung infection and knee pain.
However, despite these health issues, the Pope remains committed to his duties, and has continued to work tirelessly for the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s surgery and recovery have sparked an outpouring of support from around the world, with many Catholics and non-Catholics alike offering prayers and well-wishes for his speedy recovery.
As the Pope prepares to leave the hospital, he can take comfort in the knowledge that he is loved and respected by millions around the world.
In related news, the Vatican has canceled all of the Pope’s public and private audiences until June 18, to allow him time to recover from his surgery.
The Pope’s next scheduled public appearance is expected to be on June 18, when he will resume his weekly general audiences.
As the Pope continues to recover, Catholics around the world are urged to continue praying for his health and well-being.
The Pope’s selfless dedication to his duties, despite his health issues, is a testament to his commitment to the Catholic Church and its followers.