Pope Francis Seen In Good Spirits After Stomach Surgery

Pope Francis exudes a radiant persona as he returns home after an extended hospital stay.

In a remarkable display of strength, he has emerged in high spirits after undergoing stomach surgery. Despite the numerous health challenges he has faced, all that is behind him as the successful procedure now puts him on the path to full recovery. 

After a nine-day hospitalization, the 86-year-old has been discharged from Gemelli Hospital. The esteemed pontiff underwent a successful surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, as confirmed by his medical team.

TMZ reported that the Pope received positive remarks from his surgeon, Sergio Alfieri, who stated, "The Pope is well. He is in better shape than before." Alfieri acknowledged that the head of the Catholic Church had been experiencing considerable discomfort due to previous stomach surgeries and scar tissue, which carried a potential risk of intestinal blockage.

However, he assured the public that Pope Francis encountered no complications during his surgery on June 7. Following his release from the hospital, the bishop of Rome departed in a wheelchair, greeting a gathering of well-wishers with a warm smile and waving outside the hospital's main entrance.

Accompanied by a security detail, he was assisted into a waiting car, which took him on a brief tour of Rome, allowing him to visit a few notable landmarks before returning to the Vatican.

Despite his recent surgery, the sovereign of the Vatican City State remains committed to his spiritual duties and will continue to fulfill his obligations. He is set to deliver his weekly prayer this Sunday and maintain his scheduled appointments, except for a meeting with a general audience planned for next Wednesday.

This well-received update is coming almost a year after rumors circulated about a potential retirement from service due to health concerns. The speculations intensified as he appeared in a wheelchair for the first time due to a severe knee ache.

Compounding concerns, the Pope canceled several planned trips, including visits to South Sudan, Congo, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon, due to his knee issues. Adding to the swirling rumors, the former Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires raised eyebrows with an unexpected decision to schedule a meeting for naming new cardinals during an atypical vacation month for Vatican citizens.

The former Titular Bishop of Auca intended to appoint 21 new cardinals during the typically quieter summer period in the city. Notably, 16 of these cardinals would be below 80, making them potential successors should the Pope consider stepping down.

Throughout his nine-year papacy, the previous President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference has appointed approximately 83 cardinals, garnering respect and admiration for his progressive approach. Moreover, some firmly believed that the rumors surrounding his alleged retirement were unfounded.

In April, before the momentous occasion, The Blast reported that the sovereign of the Vatican City State presented the King with two precious shards of wood believed to be connected to Jesus Christ himself.

The historic Cross of Wales, which was to lead the coronation procession at London's Westminster Abbey, received a special blessing from the Most Rev. Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales. The sacred ceremony occurred at the Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno on April 19. 

As part of the blessing, two splinters of wood said to be from the original cross Jesus was crucified, were added to the Cross of Wales. Gifted by the former Cardinal Priest of San Roberto Bellarmino as a "personal coronation gift" to the King, the two fragments measuring approximately 0.2 and 0.4 inches were carefully placed at the heart of the Cross of Wales, adorning its center.

Crafted in 2020 by the renowned Goldsmiths' Company in London, the King commissioned the commemorative cross to mark the centenary of the Church in Wales. Reflecting his love for the environment, it was thoughtfully fashioned from recycled silver bullion, incorporating Welsh windfall timber and slate.

Adding to its significance, during his inaugural visit to Goldsmiths' in November 2022, King Charles had the privilege of adorning the cross with his mark, the "King's Mark," represented by the leopard's head. Etched on the back of the cross are the timeless words, "Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things."