Updated 6.40pm
Archbishop Charles Scicluna is recovering well after he had his gallbladder removed at a hospital in Santiago, Chile on Wednesday morning, the Curia said.
He is now in good condition and recovering well from laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure with a very good prognosis.
It is expected that the recovery time at the hospital will take between 48 and 72 hours.
The surgery was carried out by San Carlos de Apoquindo Hospital's Department of Digestive Surgery, headed by Dr Rodrigo Miguieles. He was admitted to hospital on Tuesday at 9pm with abdominal pain he felt on previous days.
After being examined by a medical team, he was diagnosed with probable acute cholecystitis and various tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis.
The condition first required antibiotic and analgesic treatment for the inflammation of the gallbladder, followed by a laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder.
The archbishop is in Chile as the pope's envoy to hear evidence on clerical child abuse allegations.
Read: Archbishop Scicluna sent to Chile to investigate bishop accused of child abuse cover up
The Maltese bishop began meeting victims and others opposed to the appointment of a bishop accused of covering up for the country's most notorious paedophile priest.
Catholic bishop's conference spokesman Jaime Coiro said Pope Francis has called for interviews with witnesses to continue from Wednesday through to Friday as planned. A Spanish priest who is assisting Archbishop Scicluna will take part.
The Labour and Nationalist parties sent their get well wishes to Archbishop Scicluna.
READ: Chile sex abuse victim 'hopeful' after meeting Archbishop Scicluna