Francis spent 10 days in hospital to remove 13 inches of his large intestine after suffering severe inflammation and narrowing of the colon.

The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis, 86, will receive intestinal surgery and will be put under general anesthesia.

The pope underwent "a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery under general anesthesia" on Wednesday, the Holy See's official news portal says. The pope had complained of abdominal pain on Tuesday.

Pope Francis will undergo surgery on his intestine Wednesday afternoon and is expected to remain hospitalized under general anesthesia for several days, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis, 86, will undergo abdominal surgery to repair a hernia likely caused by a previous operation, the Vatican announced Wednesday.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin told journalists that he expects Pope Francis will continue to work from his hospital bed as he recovers.

Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital for surgery to repair a hernia in his intestine. It was the latest malady to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed two years ago.