The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis is anticipated to leave the hospital "in the coming days" following a successful abdominal surgery last week. He is reportedly recovering well and without complications.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni provided a positive update, stating that the Pope rested comfortably overnight, continued his work during the day, and participated in prayer and received the Eucharist in his hospital room's chapel.

The 86-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on June 7th at Rome's Gemelli hospital to address a hernia and remove scar tissue that was causing intestinal blockages. This procedure follows a 2021 surgery where a significant portion of his colon was removed, as well as at least two previous abdominal surgeries in Argentina.

Bruni, referencing the Pope's medical team, confirmed that the recovery is progressing smoothly and without any issues, leading to the planned discharge in the near future.

The Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic in Rome, where Pope Francis is recovering.

An email from Cardinal Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, reportedly indicated that the Pope's return to the Vatican is expected by Thursday or Friday.

Pope Francis has a busy schedule planned for the following week, including meetings with the Cuban President Miguel Diaz Cane and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Later in the month, on June 23rd, he is set to preside over an event at the Sistine Chapel commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vatican Museums' contemporary art collection.

The Pope's typical July break from audiences will provide additional recovery time before his planned trip to Portugal for World Youth Day in early August. Subsequent travel includes a historic papal visit to Mongolia at the end of August and a trip to Marseille, France, in September.