VATICAN CITY (REUTERS) - Pope Francis is continuing a normal recovery from intestinal surgery, gradually resuming work, walking and eating with aides, the Vatican said on Saturday (July 10), adding that his blood tests were satisfactory.

The 84-year-old Pope is in hospital after undergoing a three-hour operation on July 4 to remove part of his colon, which the Vatican said had narrowed severely.

Pope Francis had a calm day on Friday, spokesman Matteo Bruni said, adding that the pontiff was continuing with the prescribed treatment.

"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," Mr Bruni said in a statement.

It is the first time Pope Francis has been hospitalised since he became pope in 2013.

The Vatican has already announced that Pope Francis will deliver his traditional Sunday noon prayer and message from the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital, where a suite is reserved for popes.

It will be the first time since his election as pope that he will not read the prayer from the Vatican, except for when he was away on trips.