[ACNS, by Gavin Drake] The Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Dr Desmond Tutu, is recovering in hospital “in good spirits” after surgery yesterday. Archbishop Tutu has battled recurring infections since mid-2015 and was admitted two weeks ago for treatment to control the infection.

In a statement, his Foundation said that yesterday’s operation was designed to “address the cause of recurring infections.”

His wife, Leah Tutu, said that the surgery was successful and that Archbishop Tutu was in good spirits.

She expressed gratitude for the messages of love and support that Archbishop Tutu has received since he was hospitalised; and also for the Archbishop’s “superb medical team”.

Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of Desmond Tutu’s enthronement as Archbishop of Cape Town and Primate of Southern Africa. The current Primate, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, sent a message to the churches in the province asking them to pray for Archbishop Tutu.

“I visited him upon my return from overseas at the weekend, and he
was in good spirits,” Archbishop Makgoba said. “Please keep him, Mrs Leah Tutu, and their family in your prayers.”