The pope’s medical team had recommended the surgery because the condition had become painful.

The statement said the pope would undergo a laparotomy, or open abdominal surgery, and that a prosthesis would be used to reconstruct the abdominal wall.

In July 2021, he had part of his colon removed in an operation aimed at addressing a painful bowel condition called diverticulitis. He said earlier this year that the condition had returned and was affecting his weight.

Francis spent around 40 minutes at the same Roman hospital on Tuesday for what the Vatican said was a check-up, without disclosing then that it was, in effect, a pre-operation visit.

Francis was treated for five days at the same hospital at the end of March when he had a lung infection. Last month, he skipped audiences for a day due to a fever.

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The pope often uses a wheelchair or a cane to walk because of persistent knee pain. Last year, he resisted an operation on his knee because the general anaesthesia for his colon surgery had brought disagreeable side effects.

Despite his health issues, Francis maintains a busy schedule. The Vatican announced plans on Saturday for him to travel to Mongolia from August 31 to September 4, one of the more remote places he has visited.

Before that, he is due to visit Portugal from August 2 to 6 to attend the World Youth Day in Lisbon and visit the Shrine of Fatima. The Vatican on Tuesday released an official schedule for the trip, giving an indication it was confirmed.

Reuters