Benedict XVI fervently prays for the recovery of Pope Francis

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI prays for the recovery of Pope Francis, who underwent intestinal surgery on Sunday, July 4.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, personal secretary of Benedict XVI, told Italian media that the Pope Emeritus “directs his thoughts with love to Pope Francis and fervently prays for him,” the German section of Vatican News reported.

During this week, Pope Francis, 84, is recovering at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after Sunday’s operation for “diverticular stenosis” in the last part of the colon. The intervention “consisted of a left hemicolectomy which lasted about three hours”.

“His Holiness Pope Francis is in good condition, alert and breathing spontaneously,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters on July 5.

On July 6, the spokesperson said the Pope had “rested well through the night,” ate breakfast, read newspapers and got up to walk in the morning.

Bruni has indicated that Pope Francis’ recovery is proceeding normally.

Colon stenosis is a condition in which part of the large intestine becomes narrower than usual. It can be dangerous if, due to its narrowness, it begins to obstruct the safe passage of food.

Also, diverticulitis, a common condition that involves the formation of small lumps or sacs in the colon wall, can cause stenosis.

At Gemelli Hospital, figures such as Pope John Paul II were also treated after the 1981 bombing. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was treated by the hospital’s cardiology department in 1992.

Last week, Pope Francis thanked 94-year-old Benedict XVI for his continued prayer for the Church, and asserted that the Pope Emeritus is “the contemplative of the Vatican.”

Translated and adapted by Eduardo Berdejo. Originally published on CNA.