The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday, June 16.

The 86-year-old pontiff has faced health challenges over the past year, and earlier this month, the Vatican disclosed that he would undergo abdominal surgery.

Following the surgery, Pope Francis remained hospitalized at Gemelli.

In a statement, Matteo Bruni, the director of the Vatican Press Office, stated that the healthcare team attending to the Pope confirmed his scheduled discharge.

He also mentioned that the Pontiff had a restful night and that his clinical progress was normal, with hematochemical examinations within the expected range.

Expressing his gratitude, Pope Francis met with the entire surgical team on Thursday, including medical staff, nurses, social and health workers, and auxiliaries who contributed to the success of the operation.

The Pope visited children in the Pediatric Oncology and Children’s Neurosurgery ward, expressing appreciation for the affectionate letters, drawings, and messages of well wishes he received from them.