Part of the intestine that was removed during the pope’s surgery showed that he suffered from a “severe” restriction of the bowel. America’s Vatican correspondent, Gerard O'Connell, provides an update.

Pope Francis continues to recover after his intestinal operation on Sunday evening but wishes to keep media coverage of his hospital stay succinct and low-key, reports Gerard O’Connell.

Pope Francis, 84, underwent a pre-planned surgery for a restriction of the sigmoid portion of the large intestine at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome this Sunday afternoon.

A trial of this nature and dimension has no precedent in the history of the Vatican in the modern era.

“Lebanon cannot be left prey to the course of events or those who pursue their own unscrupulous interests,” Pope Francis said on the day of prayer and reflection for peace in Lebanon.

“Only a free church is a credible church,” Pope Francis declared in his homily on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.