WINDSOR TERRACE — The Vatican confirmed on July 4 that Pope Francis was taken to A. Gemelli Policlinic in Rome for a scheduled surgery for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon.

It is the first time Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital since his election in 2013.

The 84-year-old pontiff recited the traditional Sunday Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square a few hours prior to being taken to the hospital. During the July 4 prayer, Pope Francis told the faithful he will visit Hungary and Slovakia in September.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who heads the Digestive Surgery Complex Operational Unit at A. Gemelli Policlinic will be performing the surgery, according to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office. Dr. Alfieri specializes in general, digestive, colon-rectal, stomach, and pancreatic surgery. 

It is not clear when the surgery will take place or conclude, but the Holy See’s Press Office said a “medical bulletin will be issued at the end of surgery.”