Pope Francis underwent abdominal surgery on Wednesday to treat an intestinal blockage, two years after he had a portion of his colon removed because of an inflammation and narrowing of the large intestine.

Pope Francis was admitted to a Rome hospital for an operation on his abdomen on Wednesday, the latest in a number of health problems for the 86-year-old pontiff.

Pope Francis has gone to Rome's Gemelli hospital for a check-up. Earlier this year the pope, 86, spent five days in hospital with a lung infection and last month had to skip audiences due to a fever.

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 has been admitted to the hospital for surgery to repair a hernia in his abdominal wall. It was the latest malady to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed

Watch the latest from ITV News - The Pope will be placed under general anaesthetic for surgery to his intestine and is expected to be hospitalised for several days, the Vatican has announced.

Pope Francis will have surgery on his abdomen and remain in a Rome hospital for several days, the Vatican said Wednesday, sparking renewed fears over the 86-year-old’s fragile health.