Pope Francis was admitted to hospital for surgery to correct a hernia, and is now recovering.
The Argentine Pontiff was put under a general anaesthetic for the operation and will remain in hospital for several days, according to the Vatican.
He will not return to active ministry until at least June 18.
At the end of the General Audience on Wednesday, the 86-year-old Pope was admitted to the Gemelli University Hospital to undergo surgery in the early afternoon.
A statement released by the Holy See Press Office said the Holy Father was to have "a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery under general anaesthesia”.
