Pope Francis update: Pontiff to undergo surgery in latest health scare

A statement released by the Holy See Press Office said the Pontiff “will undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery under general anaesthesia.”

The Vatican said the 86-year-old will be hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for several days.

“The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow for the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery,” the statement said.

It comes two years after he had 33 centimetres of his colon removed due to an inflammation and narrowing of the large intestine.

The Pope’s admission to the hospital follows a visit and consultation with doctors at the same facility on Tuesday afternoon.

Two weeks ago, he was forced to clear his schedule due to a fever in a series of health related incidents this year.

There have been significant concerns over the Pope's health in recent years, particularly because it is widely known that when he was in his 20s he had part of one of his lungs removed in his native Argentina.

He also suffers from sciatica nerve pain and has been using a wheelchair and walker for more than a year because of strained ligaments in his knee.

Francis had appeared in good form earlier this morning at his audience in St. Peter’s Square, as he zipped around the square in his popemobile greeting people.

He also attended two meetings beforehand, the Vatican said.

Despite his recent health issues, Francis continues to keep up a busy schedule and announced a travel-filled August.

Last week the Vatican announced plans for him to visit Mongolia.

It said that he would make the visit between August 31 and September 4.

He is also due to visit Portugal from August 2-6 to attend the World Youth Day in Lisbon and visit the Shrine of Fatima.