Pope Francis continues to make “regular and satisfactory” progress after an intestinal operation on July 4, but the histological examination of the part of the intestine that was removed showed that he suffered from a “severe” restriction of the bowel, caused by either bacterial infection or a mechanical obstruction.
The director of the Vatican press office, Matteo Bruni, issued the new report on the pope’s condition at midday, July 7, in Italian, Spanish and English. It is based on the information provided by the pope’s doctors at the Gemelli Hospital, and is the only official report on his health.
It said: “The post-operative progress of His Holiness Pope Francis continues to be regular and satisfactory. The Holy Father has continued to eat regularly and infusion therapy has been suspended.”
The report revealed that “a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.” It is the first time the doctors have used the word “severe” in relation to the pope’s surgery.
Infusion therapy is when medication or fluids are administered through a needle or catheter. It is a way of delivering medication that cannot be taken orally, or that needs to be dispensed at a controlled pace.
Significantly, the report also revealed that “the final histological examination has confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.” It is the first time the doctors have used the word “severe” in relation to the pope’s surgery.
An Italian doctor consulted by America, who is not associated with Gemelli Hospital and who asked not to be named, said this means the pope’s doctors examined the tissue specimens from the part of the intestine that was removed (they did not reveal its length) and concluded that he suffered from “a severe diverticular stenosis.” That is a severe restriction of the bowel with “signs of sclerosing diverticulitis,” which would have been caused by either a bacterial infection or a mechanical problem.
According to yesterday’s report, the pope is expected to remain in the hospital for about seven days, presuming there are no complications. The doctor consulted by America agreed, but said the pope will have to rest, and it will take several weeks before he will have fully recovered from this operation.
The final part of the July 7 report, which is likely to have been inserted at his request, said: “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”
Messages and good wishes have arrived at the Vatican from across the world, not only from cardinals, bishops and the faithful in many countries, but also from heads of states.
Here is the full text of the Vatican statement:
The post-operative progress of His Holiness Pope Francis continues to be regular and satisfactory. The Holy Father has continued to eat regularly and infusion therapy has been suspended. The final histological examination has confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis. Pope Francis is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.
