Pope Francis Under the Knife

Pope Francis has recently undergone intestinal surgery, according to an announcement from the Vatican. The 86-year-old pontiff had a three-hour procedure to treat a "recurrent, painful, and worsening" constriction of the intestine. This health issue is the latest in a series of challenges faced by Pope Francis in recent years, leading to speculation about the possibility of his retirement.

Two years ago, Pope Francis had 13 inches (33 cm) of his colon removed due to inflammation and narrowing of the large intestine. Now, he has undergone a "laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery with prosthesis" to address the current issue. A laparotomy is an open abdominal surgery that helps diagnose and treat problems. Fortunately, there were no complications reported after the three-hour operation.

The Vatican stated that Pope Francis will remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital for several days to allow for normal post-operative recovery. His recent health challenges include bronchitis, which led to a three-day hospital stay earlier this year. Despite these difficulties, Pope Francis continues to fulfill his duties, even appearing at his audience in Saint Peter's Square before being admitted to the hospital.

As a young man, Pope Francis had part of one lung removed, and he currently deals with sciatica nerve pain. He has been using a wheelchair and walker due to strained ligaments in his knee. During a visit to Canada last July, he was visibly in pain while lowering and raising himself from chairs. However, he ruled out knee surgery at that time due to lingering effects from previous anesthesia during colon surgery.

The Vatican's announcement provides insight into Pope Francis's health challenges and underscores his commitment to serving the church despite physical limitations.

What do you think? Post your comments below. Be sure to follow the rules so it can post on Disqus.

Sources:
1. [The Guardian: "Pope Francis has undergone intestinal surgery"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/07/pope-francis-to-undergo-intestinal-surgery)

2. [U.S. News: "What Kind of Surgery Did Pope Francis Have, and Why?"](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-06-07/what-kind-of-surgery-is-pope-francis-having-and-why)

Sacerdotus Down: Pray for Me

Dear friends and followers of my social media,

I regret to inform you that I will be taking a sabbatical from my studies and work in the Catholic Church due to health reasons (doctor's orders). This is difficult as I am a very stubborn guy who does not like to show weakness.  Perhaps this is God's way of giving me more humility. 

Tomorrow, November 15th, I am schedule for surgery; one of several. Treatment will then continue.    Life has many surprises. One may be healthy and well in one moment and not in the next. This is all part of existing in the flesh. Genes often play a role, as we know from science. They may be dormant for a while and then turn on due to any triggers or activate just because it was genetically determined.

In any event, these are moments where one can reflect on mortality and offer one's suffering for others, per Catholic doctrine.  I will not be on social media as much, or maybe at all until I get the clear from doctors. Knowing me, I will sneak in a few posts, tweets etc here and there.  Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

I ask you to continue to support this ministry by sharing content, following accounts, purchasing books and contributing to my Pay Pal located on this website and GofundMe at www.Gofundme.com/sacerdotus. Your help will ensure that the bills are paid to maintain "Sacerdotus" while I am unable to actively work in the ministry.  As you can expect, due to my sabbatical, I will not be able to obtain enough stipends to help.  This is why it is important that you donate now more than ever.

When I can, I will post updates here and on my other social media accounts.  Again, please keep me in your prayers and help by donating, purchasing books and sharing my content. 


Yours in Christ + Mary.

Sacerdotus