The 86-year-old Pope is expected to spend "several days" in the hospital following surgery.

According to a statement released by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the Pope's hernia is causing "recurrent, painful, and worsening" symptoms.

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Pope Francis made a brief visit to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for "clinical tests" on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, before preparing for his hospital visit, he gave his weekly performance for the general public.

Matteo Bruni clarified that Pope Francis would undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery under general anesthesia. During a laparotomy, an incision is made into the abdominal cavity.

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The Vatican stated that the Pope would remain in the hospital for several days to ensure a "normal post-operative course and full functional recovery."

In the past year, health issues have afflicted Pope Francis, who has led the world's 1,3 billion Catholics for a decade.

The Pope underwent surgery at the same hospital, Gemelli, to treat a form of diverticulitis, an inflammation of the lining of the intestines, last year.

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In addition, he was hospitalized for three nights at the end of March for bronchitis, which was successfully treated with antibiotics.