Franklin Graham undergoes heart surgery

Franklin Graham has successfully undergone specialised heart surgery to treat several conditions at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. 

Mark Barbe, a spokesperson for Samaritan's Purse, explained in a press release that the US evangelist had recently developed constrictive pericarditis and inflammation. 

The surgery involved removing the pericardium, the protective sac that surrounds your heart, as it had hardened and was preventing it from working properly. 

Although a recovery timeline has not been announced, doctors have assured Graham he will be able to return to his normal activity and ministry schedule. 

Barbe continued: "Mr. Graham said that he is looking forward to multiple opportunities across the globe in 2022 to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite people to put their faith in Him. He is also eager to resume riding his motorcycle by springtime. He and his family appreciate everyone’s prayers." 

Graham serves as the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.