Pope Francis went to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Wednesday for a routine check-up, his spokesman Matteo Bruni said, according to Reuters.

The 86-year-old Pope was present at the general audience on the eve of this day and was in good health.

Pope Francis suffers from diverticulitis, a condition that can infect or inflame the colon, and underwent surgery in 2021 to remove part of his colon.

The Sovereign Pontiff also has knee problems and sometimes uses a cane, sometimes a wheelchair in his public appearances.

Pope Francis said in an interview with Reuters last year that he prefers not to have surgery on his knee because he does not want a repeat of the long-term negative effects of anesthesia, the effects he experienced after the operation in 2021, Agerpres noted.