Pope Francis Undergoes Abdominal Surgery

According to the Vatican press office, 86-year-old Pope Francis underwent a three-hour abdominal surgery "without complications" on Wednesday, June 7, to treat a hernia.

The pope has been informed of the many messages of "closeness and affection" from well-wishers and he "expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers," said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, in a written statement on June 8.

The pope "is in good general condition, alert and breathing on his own. Routine follow-up examinations are good. He will observe the necessary post-operative rest for the entire day," Bruni added.

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, asked that Catholics "keep Pope Francis and all those in the hospital in your prayers."