Pontiff underwent intestinal surgery in Rome hospital last night.

Pope Francis is “in good condition, alert and breathing on his own,” according to the Vatican, a day after the 84-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

The pope is expected to stay in hospital for about seven days, "barring complications," Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said at midday on Monday.

The brief update from the Holy See came 12 hours after Francis underwent a three-hour operation which involved removing part of his colon.

• Pope Francis 'responds well' to surgery in Rome hospital

The scheduled surgery was necessary to treat diverticular stenosis, a condition that can cause bloating and abdominal pain.

In a statement released just before midnight last night, the Vatican said the pope had "responded well" to the operation which was carried out by a 10-person medical team.