Pope Francis, 86, to undergo abdominal surgery today after he was admitted to hospital for tests in fresh health scare

POPE Francis is set to undergo abdominal surgery today after he was admitted to a hospital in Rome.

The Vatican said in a statement the 86-year-old’s medical team had decided that intestinal surgery was required and that he was expected to stay in hospital for a few days to recover.

The Pope was taken to Gemelli Hospital in the Italian capital for a check-up on Tuesday.

Francis appeared frail in a wheelchair using a cane to walk because of persistent knee pain as he greeted the audience at St. Peter’s Square.

Francis spent five days in hospital just a few months ago, suffering from a lung infection that caused him breathing difficulties.

It came just days before Easter – traditionally one of the busiest times for the Pope.

Today’s operation will take place this afternoon and the Pope will be put under general anesthesia, the Vatican said.

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

It comes two years after Francis had part of his colon removed to help a painful bowel condition called diverticulitis in July 2021.

Earlier this year he said that the condition had returned.

The Pope last year said he didn’t want to have an operation on his knee because the general anesthesia for his colon surgery had brought disagreeable side effects.