Pope Francis will undergo abdominal surgery today (Wednesday) to alleviate recurring pain, a Vatican spokesman said, about two months after being hospitalized with a pulmonary infection.
Francis, 86, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he’ll be placed under anesthesia for surgery. He is expected to remain there several days, the spokesman said.
Francis is the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European to attain the post since Gregory III in the 8th century and the first Jesuit to ever hold the position.