Doctors say Pope Francis’ blood test results are normal and his recovery is
Doctors say Pope Francis’ tests and therapies are proceeding normally, as he rests, prays
and works.
This is the latest update from the Holy See Press Office following the Pope’s surgery last
Wednesday.
In the statement, the Director of the Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said: “The Holy Father
rested well during the night. The results of the blood tests he underwent were normal; he is
continuing his respiratory therapy.”
The Pope, he continued, dedicated time this morning to working and reading.
Before lunch, Bruni concluded, the Holy Father went to the chapel in his private suite,
where he spent time in prayer and received the Eucharist.
Progressively improving
Bruni has sent regular statements confirming the Pope’s progress, consistently stating the
the medical team reports that the clinical picture is progressively improving and “the post–
operative course and recovery is regular.”
Last night, the Director of the Press Office noted that the Pope had a calm day yesterday,
with the “expected clinical course.” In the afternoon, it stated, the Pope had read, worked
and rested, and in the evening, he prayed in his private suite’s chapel.
Resuming activities and travel
Following the surgery on Wednesday, the Pope’s surgeon, Professor Sergio Alfieri, told
reporters that there were no complications, and that the Pope was conscious, alert, and
joking after the procedure. Dr Alfieri said the Pope should eventually be able to resume
travel and his normal activities, but should not lift heavy objects.
As a standard precaution, the Pope is expected to stay in the hospital this week, so can
return “stronger even than before.”
been suspended until 18 June.
Pope Francis has Apostolic Journeys to Portugal, from 2 to 6 August, and Mongolia, from 31
August to 4 September, on his agenda. (Vatican News)