Pope John Paul II was said to be 'serene and tranquil' after a night in hospital recovering from surgery to help him overcome severe breathing problems.
A tracheotomy, in which a tube was inserted into the Pope's throat, was performed without any problems.
The 84-year-old Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Thursday following a recurrence of flu conditions he suffered earlier this month.
Italian envoy Gianni Letta said the pontiff was 'serene and tranquil' after the surgery.
'Doctors are very satisfied with how the Pope withstood surgery and with the first few hours of the immediate post-operative period,' he added.
Nevertheless, it is likely that the 84-year-old's stay in hospital will be protracted.
Italian news agency ANSA said he has begun breathing on his own after spending some time on a respirator immediately after the operation.
Andrew Zilouf
Pope Surgery Success
Doctors report that surgery to help the Pope breathe was successful last night.
