Pope Francis is battling pneumonia in hospital, but despite the Pontiff saying he is confident about the treatment he is receiving the Vatican issued a bleak update, describing the 88-year-old's condi

“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.

This marks the tenth day of his hospitalisation for a severe lung infection that has led to early-stage kidney insufficiency