Pope Francis is having an operation on his abdomen this afternoon.
The Pontiff is being treated at a hospital in Rome after complaining about pain near his stomach.
The Vatican says the 86-year-old will be kept in hospital for several days as part of his recovery.
The Pope has been suffering with a was forced to cancel several commitments in May after suffering from a fever and was hospitalized in March for bronchitis.
In addition to his colon surgery two years ago, Francis had part of one lung removed after a severe bout of pneumonia as a young man. More recently, in 2019, he underwent ocular surgery at Rome’s Clinic of Pius XI to treat a cataract. He has also struggled with chronic sciatica pain.
Over the past year, he experienced knee troubles that have largely confined him to the use of a cane or a wheelchair.
Leaving hospital on that occasion, Francis joked that he's "still alive".
