Pope Francis was hospitalized on Wednesday, June 7, after visiting the hospital yesterday for two hours to undergo some clinical tests, the Vatican said. A statement released by the Vatican in advance of the pope’s hospitalization today said he was undergoing surgery for a hernia that “is causing recurrent, painful and worsening” intestinal blockage. It is likely that the hernia formed as a result of Pope Francis’ open-abdomen colon surgery in July 2021, when more than 30 centimeters of his large intestine were removed.
On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell reveals what doctors have told him about this type of operation.
[Listen and subscribe to “Inside the Vatican” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.]
Up next on the show, Gerry and host Colleen Dulle recap how a nude protestor climbed atop the marble altar in St. Peter’s Basilica to protest the war in Ukraine. They also give an update on Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s visit to Ukraine this week. The cardinal held listening sessions and discussions with Ukrainian civic and religious leaders on peace and humanitarian efforts.
Finally, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of the late Pope Benedict XVI, has been given a deadline to move out of his Vatican apartment. Colleen and Gerry contextualize the deadline and discuss why Gänswein has not yet been given a next assignment.
Links from the show
Pope Francis is hospitalized for surgery
- Pope Francis to undergo surgery for a hernia today
- Pope Francis returned to Gemelli Hospital today for a scheduled check-up
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi goes to Kyiv
- Pope Francis’ peace envoy is in Ukraine—but neither side is ready for a ceasefire
- Cardinal sent to Ukraine by Pope Francis meets with Zelensky
Archbishop Georg Gänswein is asked to leave the Vatican
