Pope Francis' recovery from surgery 'satisfactory', Vatican officials say

The 84-year-old pontiff took stroll in corridor at Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome

Pope Francis, pictured with South Sudan President Salva Kiir at an audience in 2019, is recovering his mobility after surgery, the Vatican says. AP

Pope Francis celebrated Mass and worked and dined with aides, as his recovery from intestinal surgery continued with "satisfactory" results, the Vatican said on Saturday.

He is now able to walk in his apartment on the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, from where he is scheduled to deliver his weekly noon prayer on Sunday.

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli for treatment on July 4 after severe narrowing of his large intestine. Surgeons removed half of his colon.

The Vatican said the 84-year-old Pope, who lost part of one lung to an infection in his youth, is expected to remain in hospital at least until the end of the week.

In a daily update on Saturday, the Vatican said his latest blood tests were "satisfactory".

"He is gradually resuming work and continues to stroll in the corridor of the apartment. In the afternoon, he celebrated holy Mass in the private chapel, and in the evening he dined with those who are assisting him during these days," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

Mr Bruni said after experiencing first-hand the care of doctors and nurses, Pope Francis was thinking in particular of those who "with care and compassion choose the face of suffering".