Pope Francis 'is not out of danger', his doctor admits as he reveals pontiff 'wants his condition reported to the world without hiding anything'

Pope Francis 'is not out of danger', his doctor has admitted, adding that the pontiff ‘wants his condition reported to the world without hiding anything’.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been undergoing treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties for several days.

His doctor revealed today that although his condition is not life-threatening, Francis will remain in hospital 'at least all next week', as necessary for his treatment. 

The Pope's condition can change day-by-day, the doctor added.

It will be up to Francis to decide whether he will lead the weekly public prayer at the Vatican this Sunday. 

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a brief update yesterday that the Pope had slept well and had breakfast while seated in an armchair.

The Pope's condition was stable and he had shown 'slight improvement' in results from recent blood tests, the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

Francis received a visit on Wednesday from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, his first known VIP visitor in hospital. She said he was 'alert and responsive'.

The pope joked with Meloni about some people betting on his death, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported on Thursday. 

'He hasn't lost his proverbial sense of humour,' Meloni said in a statement.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.