Prayers for recovery of Pope Francis

As the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics, Pope Francis’ health invites more than just passing concern, considering that he is now 84-years-old — and he continues to tackle the enormous responsibilities of his office.

“Pope Francis is doing well and is alert,” according to Mateo Bruni, director of the Holy See press office. Mr. Bruni said that “Pope Francis is doing well overall, alert and breathing well on his own,” after undergoing surgery that took three hours to complete. He added that the Pope is likely to be confined at Gemelli hospital for seven days, barring any complications.”

The surgical procedure sought to remedy the diverticular disease in the Pope’s colon that caused pain and inflammation, an ailment also attributed to aging. Pope Francis was elected in 2013 at age 76 after Pope Benedict XVI stepped down as leader of the Catholic Church.