Major Pope Francis health update as pontiff, 86, recovers from three-hour operation

POPE Francis is due to be released from hospital in the next few days after a three-hour operation.

The pontiff, 86, had surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.

Medics said it went well and are waiting for a mesh prosthetic to settle and attach properly.

The Pope did not say his public noon prayer from the hospital balcony last Sunday to avoid having to stand for too long.

Francis was working from his hospital room and also spending time in the small chapel of the 10th floor suite that is reserved for popes, Bruni said.

His public and private audiences have been cancelled until this Sunday.

A Vatican spokesperson said: “The Holy Father rested well.

“The medical team reports the recovery is proceeding without complications and are planning to discharge him in the next few days.”

The Pope, who traditionally takes all of July off, is due to visit Portugal in early August and then Mongolia.