Antonino Galofaro (in Rome) / Photo credit: VATICAN MEDIA / CPP / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 07:07, 08 June 2023

Pope Francis, 86, underwent emergency surgery under general anesthesia Wednesday afternoon in Rome for a risk of intestinal obstruction, the Vatican announced. An operation that took place without complications. But this is the third time in less than two years that the pontiff has been hospitalized, worrying the faithful.

Pope Francis, 86, underwent surgery Wednesday "without complications" in Rome for an abdominal hernia under general anesthesia, amid regular concerns about his health. In the Italian capital, the pope is always a topic of conversation, for the faithful and non-believers alike. Anna and Maria, mother and daughter, believer and atheist, were just talking about it when Europe 1 held out its microphone. "This pope is really a splendid person, so I am sad. We could see that he was not feeling very well, I hope he will heal quickly, "says Anna.

"I thought he had already been hospitalized, I thought his problems had been solved. I saw him very active, I didn't expect it," says his daughter Maria.

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"I was like, 'Mamma mia, again!'"

Sister Albina, who has just returned to Rome, heard the news of the operation when she was on the train late Wednesday afternoon as the pope left the operating room. "I felt bad. I was like, 'Mama mia, again!' He is probably already preparing for the sequel, which is what I think, because he has already decided who will replace him in his absence. But it has a strength that few people have. I'm really saddened because he seemed to be getting better," she said.

Pope Francis must now remain in the hospital under observation for several days. All his hearings have been cancelled until June 18.