Less than three days after pre-scheduled surgery on his colon, Pope Francis post-operative progress is ‘regular’ and ‘satisfactory,’ the Vatican says.

According to a statement released by Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, the Pontiff continues to be recovering well.

“The Holy Father has continued to eat regularly and infusion therapy has been suspended,” he said.

“Pope Francis,” he shared, “is touched by the many messages and “the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.

The statement also acknowledged that the final histological examination “confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.”

The Vatican spokesperson made no mention of whether the Argentine Pontiff with a love for soccer watched the semifinal match between Italy and Spain last night.

In a statement yesterday, the Vatican spokesman noted the Holy Father rested well during the night and began his day enjoying breakfast, reading some newspapers and getting up to walk.

In addition, Bruni reassured: “The post-operative course is regular. Routine follow-up examinations are good.”

Here is the Vatican-provided English statement given by Matteo Bruni in today’s noon bulletin, providing the most recent update on the Pope:

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Statement by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni,
July 7th

The post-operative progress of His Holiness Pope Francis continues to be regular and satisfactory.

The Holy Father has continued to eat regularly and infusion therapy has been suspended.

The final histological examination has confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.

Pope Francis is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.

[Vatican-provided official statement]