In a Vatican report, Pope Francis was doing well on Monday after surgery for an inflamed large colon.  The 84-year-old pontiff was expected to spend around one week recovering in hospital.

The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital Sunday for a scheduled operation under general anaesthetic for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon. Francis "is in good general condition, alert and breathing spontaneously", spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement, adding that the surgery "lasted about three hours". "A stay of about seven days is expected, barring complications," he added.

A week earlier, on the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Francis seemed to hint at the upcoming operation, saying: "I ask you to pray for the pope, pray in a special way. The pope needs your prayers."

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi sent  Pope Francis "affectionate get well soon wishes" on Monday. Sheikh Ahmed el Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, one of the Muslim world's leading authorities, wished the pontiff "a speedy recovery".

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