Pope Francis in hospital for ‘surgery’ on colon

Pope Francis was admitted to a Rome hospital on Sunday afternoon for scheduled surgery on his colon later in the day, the Vatican said.

Spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope, 84, was suffering from symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon, a condition that can cause recurrent abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits.

Bruni said the operation would take place later on Sunday in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, which is the institution where popes receive medical treatment. Another statement would be issued afterwards.

It is the first time the pope has been admitted to hospital since his election in 2013.

The pope appeared to be in fine health several hours earlier when he addressed thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square for his Sunday blessing and announcing a trip to Slovakia and Budapest for September.

Francis is sometimes short of breath because a part of one of his lungs was removed following an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina.

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