Pope Francis on ventilator after suffering 'breathing crisis' as Vatican announces his health has suddenly worsened: LIVE updates

Francis' closest friend in the Vatican bureaucracy, Argentine Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, led the nightly prayer in St. Peter's Square to pray for Francis' health.

Fernández urged the crowd to pray not just for Francis but for others as the pope himself would.

'Certainly it is close to the Holy Father's heart that our prayer is not only for him, but also for all those who in this particular dramatic and suffering moment of the world, bear the hard burden of war, of sickness, of poverty,' he added.

In Mexico City, a few dozen people gathered at the cathedral to pray for Francis' recovery.

'He is like part of the family,' said Araceli Gutiérrez, who treasures the time she saw the pope during his trip to the country of nearly 100 million Catholics in 2016. 'That's why we feel so concerned for him.'

María Teresa Sánchez, who was visiting from Colombia with her sister, said that she has always felt close to Francis - the first Latin American pope.

'That's like having a relative within the higher-ups, with God,' she said. 'He has done so much for religion; he's such a humble person.'

Pope Francis was projected on the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as people continue to pray for the Pope while he is in hospital..

People prayed for the health of Pope Francis inside the Sagrada Eucaristia church in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Pope's respritory crisis which saw him inhale vomit into his lungs has forced him to be on intensive oxygen after previosusly only needing a minimal amount.

Francis had only required a small amount of oxygen through the nose, a nasal canular, amid reports his condition was improvng over the last two days.

But the inicident saw the Pope require oxygen via a mask which covered both his nose and mouth.

Vatican sources have said this has been a 'hard day', but the Pope is conscious and 'in good spiritis'.

Doctors have said the Pope's breathing crisis is 'extremely concerning' amid fears for the religious leader's life.

The development marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat reports from doctors treating Francis at Rome's Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14

Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care doctor at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, said the episode as relayed by the Vatican was alarming and underscored Francis' fragility and that his condition 'can turn very quickly.'

'I think this is extremely concerning, given the fact that the pope has been in the hospital now for over two weeks, and now he's continuing to have these respiratory events and now had this aspiration event that is requiring even higher levels of support.'

'So given his age and his fragile state and his previous lung resection, this is very concerning,' added Coleman, who is not involved in Francis' care.

Dr. William Feldman, a pulmonary specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said it was a good sign that the pope remained alert and oriented, but concurred that the episode marked 'a worrying turn.'

'Often we will use noninvasive ventilation as a way of trying to stave off an intubation, or the use of invasive mechanical ventilation,' Feldman said.

Types of noninvasive ventilation include a BiPAP machine, which helps people breathe by pushing air into their lungs.

Doctors will often try such a machine for a while to see if the patient's blood gas levels improve so they can eventually go back to using oxygen alone.

The episode, which doctors described as an 'isolated crisis of bronchial spasm' began as a coughing fit in which Francis inhaled vomit.

The longer respiratory crisis Francis suffered on Feb. 22 was a longer crisis in actually breathing, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis has had to call off engagements to focus on his health and many have speculated if he will continue to cancel more.

Despite his improvements, Francis’ calendar of events is being changed.

The Vatican cancelled a Holy Year audience scheduled for Saturday, and there is yet confirmation if he will miss his Sunday noon blessing for the third week in a row.

On April 27, he is due to canonize Carlo Acutis, considered to be the first millennial and digital-era saint.

The Vatican considers the Italian teenager, who died of leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, an inspiration for young Catholics.

Hundreds of faithful worshippers attended a prayer service in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, as Pope Francis continues his hospitalisation.

The Pope 'looked depressed' and admitted it had been a ‘hard day’ in hopsital, Vatican sources said.

Despite having a 'good' respone to the medical ventilation treatment following his 'isolated breathing crisis', the Pope's spirits were not lifted.

Doctors have since kept his prognosis guarded, but suggested he had overcome the most acute phase of the infection.

Francis has so far sought to allay concerns of an imminent death or resignation by signalling that he is still very much in charge, even workimg from the hopsital with scheduled visits from staff.

Vice President JD Vance led a prayer for the Pope at a conference on Friday.

Vance, a Catholic Convert, spoke at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

He said 'In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Almight and generous God, we thank you for your charity.

'Please grant your mercy upon Pope Francis so he may be restored from sickness and guide us in watchful care.'

He added: 'Today, me and my children have said a prayer for the Holy Father. And we pray for his health and we pray for his comfort as he deals with what appears to be a pretty serious health crisis.'

He seemed to ackneledge Francis' critisicm of Trump's crackdown on immigration to downplay the controversy and instead said he and his family pray daily for the pope.

Francis spoke out in February against the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations, warning that it would deprive migrants of their inherent dignity.

Doctors did not resume referring to Francis in 'critical condition' which has been absent from their statements for three days.

The episode occurred in the early afternoon and doctors decided to keep Francis' prognosis as guarded - but they have been cautious in saying he's out of the woods given the complexity of his case.

Francis had spent the morning praying in the chapel, he had breakfast, read the day's newspapers and was receiving respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican said

While fighting for his health in hospital, Vatican officials have said the pope is not improving as fast as they would like.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican's development office, said in an interview with Italy's La Stampa newspaper that Francis was getting better, albeit 'slower than what we would like'.

Francis has suffered several bouts of ill health over the past two years and is prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.

The Vatican said Francis suffered a 'prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis', but there have been no repeats.

Francis will not lead the annual Church service, known as Ash Wednesday, next week and will be entrusted to a senior Vatican official.

The Pope, who has been pontiff since 2013 and is often described as working himself to exhaustion, has continued leading the Vatican from the hospital. Staff appointments requiring his approval are announced daily.

The March 5 service starts the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday.

His breathing crisis was followed by three days of more positive updates, with the Vatican saying previously that he had been showing a 'slight improvement' as he fights what has been termed a 'complex' infection caused by two or more micro-organisms.

A Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to discuss the pope's health, said the Pope's breathing issue did not last a long time.

His doctors are expected to take 24-48 hours to evaluate how the episode will impact the state of his clinical condition, the official said.

The Pope has not been listed in critical condition for the past two days.

Pope Francis had an 'isolated breathing crisis' in hospital on Friday, the Vatican said, in a setback as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for two weeks, after being admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

The coughing fit, known as bronchial spasm, forced him to use an oxygen mask on his nose and mouth for the first time after he inhaled vomit into his lungs, the Vatican said.

'This afternoon ... the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis,' said the latest detailed update about the pontiff's condition.

The Pope, it said, also had 'an episode of vomiting with aspiration and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.' He then received the help of 'non-invasive mechanical ventilation,' it said.

Francis, said the statement, 'has remained alert and well-oriented' and is continuing his treatments.

Pope Francis' health is said to be improving with the Holy Father 'up and about' as he marked two weeks in hospital with pneumonia.

In a statement this evening the Vatican said: 'The clinical conditions of the Holy Father are confirmed to be improving today'.

It was the second consecutive day the Vatican cited an improvement in the critical condition of the Argentine pope, who was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14.

As pilgrims and other well-wishers continue to gather to pray and leave offerings outside the hospital, medical experts - together with the Vatican - have warned that Francis is not out of danger.

'Given the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis,' the Vatican statement said.

Vatican News reported, that the Holy Father spent much of the day resting after he underwent respiratory physiotherapy sessions throughout the day.

Pope Francis's condition was continuing to improve, the Vatican said Thursday, as the 88-year-old pontiff marked two weeks in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs.

'The clinical conditions of the Holy Father are confirmed to be improving today also,' said the Vatican in an evening bulletin on the pope's health.

It was the second consecutive day the Vatican cited an improvement in the critical condition of the Argentine pope, who was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14.

As pilgrims and other well-wishers continue to gather to pray and leave offerings outside the hospital, medical experts - together with the Vatican - have warned that Francis is not out of danger.

'Given the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis,' the Vatican statement said.

After first being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties, the Vatican revealed that the pope - who had part of a lung removed as a young man - had double pneumonia.

But on Wednesday, it said that Francis's clinical conditions had shown a 'slight improvement' while cautioning that his prognosis remained 'reserved'.

A respiratory attack Francis suffered at the weekend that required high levels of oxygen has not been repeated, although he continues to receive oxygen and do breathing exercises.

On Thursday, he 'alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a venturi mask,' the Vatican said, referring to an oxygen mask that delivers oxygen at controlled concentrations.

'In the morning, the Holy Father dedicated his time to respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest,' said the Vatican.

In the afternoon, following another session of therapy he prayed in the chapel located on the 10th floor of the Gemelli in the special papal suite, said the Vatican.

He then spent time working, it said.

The pope's latest improvement comes after his deteriorating condition at the weekend sparked fears that the head of the world's nearly 1.4 billion Catholics might not pull through.

Doctors have warned the path to recovery could be long, with the Jesuit pontiff likely staying in hospital beyond this week.

Among those praying for the health of Francis Thursday were a group of Mexican pilgrims, who paid a visit to the hospital.

'Today we go back to Mexico and we wanted before we leave to come and see where he is. It doesn't matter if we only see the window, but we also wanted to say some prayers,' a teary Lili Iparrea Fernandez, 74, told AFP.

'We would like to go in to kiss his feet,' said another pilgrim, Flor Mercado Garcia, 66.

Garcia brought an offering of yellow flowers for Francis, but ended up placing it at the feet of the statue of John Paul II in front of the hospital, amid the growing mass of candles, drawings, and messages of support.

Francesco Blasi, head of pneumology at Milan Polyclinic, and Stefania Vaglio, director of the Immune-haematology unit at the Sant'Andrea Polyclinic in Rome, said the pope's prognosis remains reserved because 'the respiratory problem has not been resolved.

'For an 88-year-old who was already suffering from a chronic respiratory disease before the pneumonia, (his condition) remains critical at least until the improvement is defined as stable,' they said in a joint interview with the Corriere della Sera daily.

'We are not there yet. More days of waiting are needed'.

In the meantime, the 'respiratory physiotherapy' Francis is doing is key for patients with severe pneumonia, Blasi and Vaglio said.

The exercises help them learn how to best use the muscles involved in breathing, they added.

At 14 days so far, this current hospitalisation is Francis's longest.

Despite his critical condition, Francis has kept up with Church matters from his hospital suite.

'The pope wants to push through decisions he cares about, it is a manifestation of strength, of a willingness to govern,' Adriano Prosperi, a historian specialised in the Church, told the Repubblica daily.

Elected in 2013, Francis has aroused both fervour and fury within the Church with reforms aimed at opening the doors of a centuries-old institution to the modern-day faithful.

'Francis knows that what he leaves behind is in danger, and wants to protect it', Prosperi said.

In an update the Vatican has said that the Pope has seen a 'slight improvement' in his condition today which has moved from critical to complex, according to Sky News.

Before he was hospitalized for double pneumonia, Pope Francis was battling firm resistance from some of his own cardinals about how to plug a widening gap in the Vatican's finances, according to Reuters news agency.

Three days before his hospitalisation, Francis ordered the creation of a new high-level commission to encourage donations to the headquarters of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church.

The new "Commission on Donations for the Holy See", announced by the Vatican on Wednesday as Francis was spending his 13th day in hospital, was formed after the pope faced push back against his proposals for Vatican budget cuts from within the Roman Curia.

In a closed-door meeting late last year, Vatican department chiefs, including senior cardinals, argued against cuts and against the Argentine pope's desire to seek outside funding to fix the deficit, two officials told Reuters.

The officials asked not to be named due to the sensitive nature of the information.

Pope Francis today continues his slow recovery from double pneumonia on, beating back speculation of an imminent death, resignation or conclave.

By working from the Gemelli hospital, the 88-year-old has signalled he is still very much in charge, albeit in a weakened state.

Francis once again slept well during the night, had breakfast and resumed his therapy this morning in good spirits, the Vatican said.

The results of more medical tests were expected later Thursday.

Doctors on Wednesday reported further slight improvements in his clinical condition as his hospital stay neared the two-week mark on Friday.

They said the kidney insufficiency that had been detected in recent days had receded, blood tests showed a slight improvement and a chest CT scan showed that his complex lung infection was taking the "normal evolution" as it is being treated.

Here are the latest photographs we can show you from Rome's Gemilli hospital where Catholic pilgrims are visiting to say their prayers for Pope Francis.

The Vatican is expected to provide an update on the Pontiff's condition later today amid hopes his health is improving.

An image of Pope Francis alongside a rose placed outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome where the pontiff is receiving treatment

The Pope slept well last night and his health has slightly improved, according to a statement from the Vatican this morning.

They said, in a brief update: 'The Pope slept well during the night and is now resting.'

It follows the announcement yesterday evening that Francis's health had shown 'slight further improvement' in the last 24 hours - including, crucially, his mild kidney failure.

The Vatican said: 'The mild kidney insufficiency observed in recent days has subsided.

'A chest CT scan carried out [on Tuesday] night showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation.

'Blood tests conducted [yesterday] confirmed the improvement seen [Tuesday].'

The Pope remains on high levels of supplemental oxygen and is still receiving 'respiratory physiotherapy' but as of last night, he had not experienced any more asthma-like attacks.

Despite the slight improvement to his health, his prognosis remains 'guarded', the Holy See added.

Francis received the Eucharist yesterday morning and resumed his work yesterday afternoon.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to pay a state visit to Italy and the Holy See in early April to meet Pope Francis.

The trip will involve engagements in Rome and Ravenna, the Palace said, 'celebrating the strong bilateral relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom'.

However, there are now questions over whether this meeting will take place due to the Pope's ill health.

Catholic worshippers attended a nightly rosary prayer service for the health of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Wednesday.

Pope Francis's health has slightly improved as he continues to battle double pneumonia, the Vatican has said in its latest update.

On Tuesday, the Pontiff, 88, was said to be in a 'critical but stable' condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

He is currently receiving treatment for respiratory and kidney problems after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both his lungs.

Read the full story below:

The Holy Father's condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours. 

The mild kidney insufficiency observed in recent days has subsided. A chest CT scan carried out last night showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation. 

Blood tests conducted today confirmed the improvement seen yesterday.

The Holy Father remains on high-flow oxygen therapy but has not experienced any asthma-like respiratory episodes today. Respiratory physiotherapy is continuing. Despite the slight improvement, his prognosis remains guarded.

This morning, the Holy Father received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon, he resumed his work.

The Holy See has issued an update on the Pope's health this evening, saying he is showing a slight further improvement.

The results of the CT scan have also come back, showing a normal progression of the lung inflammation.

Candles have been lit in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where the Pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 in Rome.

Pictures taken earlier today outside Rome's Gemelli hospital show nuns have visited the John Paul II statue to say their prayers for Pope Francis.

The Vatican is expected to release an update on his condition with a bulletin this evening.

A priest based in Gaza has sent his condolences to Pope Francis after the pontiff made contact from hospital during his battle with pneumonia.

Father Gabriel Romanelli regularly receives calls from Francis since the Israel-Hamas war following the October 7 attacks.

In a video published online, he said:

Dear Holy Father, we are gathered here in Gaza after today’s Mass. It is very, very cold, but we want to express our gratitude, our closeness, and our prayers. The whole world is praying for you and is deeply grateful, and we all wish you good health.

The Holy Family parish in Gaza currently hosts around 500 people displaced during the Israeli offensive.

See the video below:

Tango dancers Miguel Angel Zotto and Daiana Guspero perform during the Vatican Christmas Concert in 2018

A tango dancer has reportedly invited performers to dance outside the Gemelli hospital in Rome as a tribute to Pope Francis.

Professional dancer Daiana Guspero, who has a million followers on Instagram, has danced in front of Francis previously and has offered to do so again.

In remarks published by La Repubblica newspaper, Guspero said:

I invite all the tango dancers of the world to come down to the dance floor at the Gemelli hospital in Rome to dance in front of the windows of the room that hosts the Pope, to make him feel all our affection, our gratitude, our love, above all our support. I will lead the dance.

A date for any mooted performance has not been mentioned.

Earlier we reported how Rome's Gemilli hospital had become a pilgrimage site for visitors and religious groups to the Italian capital while Pope Francis receives treatment.

Here's our video of Spanish pilgrims who visited earlier to show their support as Francis' stay in the hospital approaches two weeks.

by Harry Howard, History Editor

It is a thriller about a conspiracy to rig the papal election that depicts both conservatives and progressives whispering in the corridors of the Vatican.

Conclave, an adaptation of the book of the same name by bestselling historical novelist Robert Harris, has just picked up four Bafta awards.

But now, with the real Pontiff gravely ill in hospital, attention is turning to who will be chosen to succeed 88-year-old Pope Francis

Since being elected 12 years ago, Francis's critics have portrayed him as a 'woke Pope' for his relatively progressive pronouncements on contentious topics, including same sex relationships and the subject of migrants.

Read more here:

A chilling prediction made by 16th century astrologer Nostradamus has been unearthed after the Vatican revealed Pope Francis was in 'critical' condition.

Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, supposedly predicted the fate of the Pope in an unearthed quote from his book 'Les Propheties', which was published in 1555.

He predicted that Pope Francis, the current religious head for the Catholic Church could have a replacement.

Read more here:

If Pope Francis were to look out of the window of the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli hospital, he would likely see plenty of activity below.

During his hospital stay a steady stream of well-wishers have lit candles and left get-well cards at the statue of St John Paul II near the Gemelli entrance.

It has become something of a makeshift pilgrimage destination, especially for church groups in town for the Vatican's Holy Year.

On Wednesday, Bishop Gerardo Villalonga from Menorca, Spain, led a group of 50 pilgrims to the site, saying they wanted to be as close to him as possible.

He said:

Because when a family has someone who is sick it is very important that they are surrounded, it is necessary that everyone is near to them, and all the people of God are close the pope.

The Associated Press is reporting Pope Francis has today received therapy while sat in an armchair.

Doctors have apparently stressed the 88-year-old is not out of danger but note he hasn't had any further respiratory crises since Saturday.

Francis has been working from his hospital room, and the daily grind of the Vatican bureaucracy has been continuing in his absence.

On Wednesday the Vatican said Francis had appointed four new bishops and approved the creation of a new fundraising initiative to encourage donations to the Holy See, which has been enduring a financial crisis for years.

Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved on February 11, before he was hospitalised.

But the announcements made them official and suggested Francis was still very much in charge and governing.

Pope Francis often visited Rome long before he was elected as pontiff in 2013 and has collected an array of favourite shops and artisans in the Italian capital.

Francis' optician, Alessandro Spiezia, said, 'The pope is by now a friend, a beloved person for me, not a customer. I am praying for his recovery.'

Francis' occasional unannounced visits to Spiezia's shop, on the tony Via del Babuino near Piazza del Popolo, often created mob scenes as tourists and Romans alike realized the pope was inside.

Francis has popped in a few times since becoming pope in 2013 to get new lenses for his glasses, arriving in a simple Ford or Fiat with minimal security detail and waving to well-wishers as he came and went.

A Vatican-area tailor also was following news of Francis' hospitalisation.

'We are all saddened and we all pray for the recovery of the pope,' said Raniero Mancinelli (pictured), who sold the modest pectoral cross that Francis has been wearing for the past few decades.

A critically ill Pope Francis, battling pneumonia in both lungs, was up and out of bed Wednesday after a peaceful night, a Vatican source told the AFP News agency.

Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with breathing difficulties, after which his condition deteriorated, sparking widespread concern among Catholics.

After suffering respiratory attacks at the weekend that required high levels of oxygen and blood transfusions, the Vatican has said the pope's condition has stabilised, but he remains in a critical condition.

The pontiff, now in his 13th day at the hospital, was Wednesday 'sitting in a chair, and continuing with the treatment as normal', a Vatican source said.

Crowds of well wishers have been pictured visibly upset as they returned to Gemelli hospital in support of Pope Francis.

Some could be seen in tears as they gathered near the John Paul II statue in front of the hospital on Wednesday morning.

Pope Francis spent a 'quiet night' in Rome's Gemelli hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition today.

The Vatican released a short update this morning after thousands again gathered in St Peter's Square for a nightly vigil with millions of Catholics across the world praying for his recovery.

If you're just joining our live coverage this morning, here's what you need to know:

• Pope Francis remains in a critical condition with double pneumonia but the Vatican said he had a 'quiet night' and is 'resting' as he nears a two-week stay in hospital.
• Previous blood test results have showed he has not suffered another respiratory crisis similar to the one he endured on Saturday.
• On Monday, he was deemed well enough to particpate in a meeting with senior Vatican officials and name new saints from his hospital bed.
• During the meeting with his secretary of state, Pietro Parolin, and his chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, he approved the two new canonisations and five candidates for beatification
• Tonight, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, the influential dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the nightly vigil in St Peter's Square where thousands are gathering daily to pray for his recovery

The Vatican has said tonight's vigil in St. Peter's would be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, the influential dean of the College of Cardinals.

Francis recently extended Re's term as dean, keeping him in the important job rather than naming someone new.

As is now popularly known thanks to the Oscar-nominated film 'Conclave,' the dean is a key point of reference for cardinals.

He presides over a papal funeral and organizes the conclave to elect a new pope.

From 2000-2010, Re was prefect of the Vatican's congregation for bishops, one of the most powerful and influential positions in the Holy See.

Francis made him dean in 2020 and confirmed him in the job in January despite the expiration of his five-year term.

The service at the Argentinian church of Santa Maria Addolorata

Last night, Catholics from Francis' homeland gathered in the Argentine church of Rome for a special Mass.

The rector of the church, the Rev. Fernando Laguna, said that he hoped the pope could feel the embrace of the community's prayer from the Gemelli hospital where he is recovering.

'I can't go to Gemelli, because for him to recover he must be isolated,' he said.

I know that I hug him and that he hugs me when I pray. And now I would like to embrace the pope.

Sister Nilda Trejo said that she knew Francis' health has always been delicate, with problems breathing and speaking loudly, and that's why she always prayed for him.

'We knew that he often found it difficult,' she said.

In fact, you see that at the beginning of Mass, the microphone always has to be turned up because he has a bit of trouble. But he always spoke to the people. To the heart of the people.

Pope Francis, who is staying in a special papal suite on the 10th floor of the hospital, has continued to do some work and has moved from his bed to an armchair, while receiving the Eucharist in the morning.

In a major update concerning the Pope 'easing' himself back into work, the Pontiff also met with senior Vatican officials yesterday at the Gemelli Hospital.

Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena visited the 88-year-old to help him carry out his duties. The pontiff reportedly today approved decrees for five people for beatification and two new saints.

The Vatican announced that Francis had additionally named a handful of new bishops for Brazil, named a new archbishop for Vancouver, and modified the law for the Vatican City State to create a new hierarchy.

On Tuesday, the Vatican said the pontiff had remained in critical condition for the fourth day running but was stable and had not any further respiratory crises.

The pope's prognosis, it said on Tuesday, remains 'guarded'.

But his hemodynamic parameters, a measure of the functioning of his body's circulatory system, were also 'stable'.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection of both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe. The Vatican has said the pope's infection is 'complex', and caused by two or more microorganisms.

In a brief statement published this morning the Vatican has said:

The pope had a tranquil night and is resting.

It did not provide any further details, but the Pontiff is now nearing two weeks at Rome's Gemelli hospital, marking his longest stay since he began his papacy 12 years ago.

Friends of Pope Francis in Rome - where he was a frequent visitor before his papal tenure - were hoping for the best as he battled double pneumonia.

'The pope is by now a friend, a beloved person for me, not a customer,' said Francis' optician, Alessandro Spiezia. 'I am praying for his recovery.'

Ice cream maker Sebastian Padrón said Francis even invited him to the Vatican for his dulce de leche ice cream, a typical Argentine caramel dessert.

'He called me on the phone after COVID to invite me,” Padròn told The Associated Press.

'He wanted to meet me since he had been eating our ice cream for a few years. We went with my family, we talked to him for a long time.

'A very nice meeting, very friendly, very simple, as if we were neighbors and as if we had known each other our whole lives.'

One thing you probably didn't know about the Pope - he's a big football fan.

Since becoming leader of the Catholic Church, Francis has welcomed some of the world's biggest stars and most famous teams to St Peter's Square, including Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

The Pope has too posed

with the emblem of his favourite club, San Lorenzo of Buenos Aires, on a number of occasions.

Venezuelans have paid their respects to Jose Gregorio Hernandez, known as the 'Doctor of the Poor', after Pope Francis approved his canonisation on Tuesday.

This announcement will make the doctor, which died in 1919, the Caribbean nation's first saint.

Here is the update that was released by the Holy See earlier today saying the Pope is in a 'critical but stable' condition.

This evening's Rosary Prayer for the health of Pope Francis has come to an end.

Catholic faithful were pictured holding Rosaries, pictures of the Pontiff and crucifix necklaces as they united in prayer and hymn in Vatican City.

Cardinal Tagle, from the Phillipines, led the service.

In 2016, Pope Francis visited the infamous concentration camp where 1.1million people were killed under the Nazi regime

After a walk around its grounds, the Pope sat alone on a bench for several minutes of remembrance and prayer.

'I would like to go to that place of horror without speeches, without crowds – only the few people necessary,' he said.

'Alone, enter, pray. And may the Lord give me the grace to cry.'

Cardinal Tagle has addressed the crowds who have gathered in Vatican City to pray for Pope Francis.

He said 'Let us pray for the health of the Holy Father Francis, that he may experience the loving presence of the Lord and the supportive closeness of the Christian community.'

Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Gaza, spoke of his WhatsApp phone call with Pope Francis yesterday.

The Pope remains in critical condition.

Romanelli said:

It was a blessed call. As he has done every day since the beginning of this terrible war, yesterday Pope Francis called us once again to express his closeness, to pray for us and to give us his blessing.

As the parish of the Holy Family of Gaza, which belongs to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, we are happy and moved to hear his voice. It gives us so much comfort.

It is a great joy, even in the midst of so many trials, to know that, despite his delicate state of health, the Holy Father continues to think and pray for everyone and for peace in Gaza and, at the same time, also continues to thank us, for our constant prayers. We follow the updates on the Pope's health.

Thousands are gathering in St Peter's Square ready for this evening's Rosary Prayer for the health of the Pope.

This evening's service will be the second daily recital after Cardinal Parolin addressed well-wishers yesterday evening.

The service will begin at 8pm (GMT).

GMT)

Pope Francis remains in a 'critical but stable' condition, say the Vatican.

An update on Tuesday evening read: 'The Holy Father's clinical condition remains critical but stable. There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable.

'In the evening, he underwent a scheduled CT scan for radiological monitoring of bilateral pneumonia. The prognosis remains cautious.

In the morning, after receiving the Eucharist, he resumed work activities.'

The Pope remains in hospital for the twelfth consecutive day.

Argentinian community members residing in Italy have gathered at Rome's Santa Maria Addolorata to pray for Pope Francis, who was born in the South American country.

The church in the Italian capital is the city's 'Church of the Argentinas'.

The church in the Italian capital is the city's 'Church of the Argentinas'.

Pope Francis visited Ukrainian refugees residing in a Rome Children's Hospital in what was a surprise visit in March 2022.

The children had been sufferinhg from cancer, neurological diseases and other illnesses and were brought to the Italian capital for medical treament.

Yesterday evening marked three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine - to mark the anniversary, European lanbdmarks such as the Eiffel Twoer illuminated yellow and blue.

The daily Rosary Prayer recital will go ahead around an hour from now at 8pm GMT.

After thousands turned out in Vatican City last night to wish the Pope well on his eleventh day in hospital, a similar crowd is expected this evening.

Pope Francis met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena this afternoon at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to carry out some of his duties.

Francis reportedly today approved decrees for five people for beatification and two new saints.

The Vatican announced that Francis had additionally named a handful of new bishops for Brazil, named a new archbishop for Vancouver, and modified the law for the Vatican City State to create a new hierarchy.

The Pope had 'rested well through the night yesterday evening,' said the Vatican.

Thousands will once again gather at St Peter's Square this evening for the second Rosary Prayer for the health of Pope Francis.

Yesterday's gathering saw Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, recite the Rosary before crowds came together to sing the Salve Regina in unison.

At 8pm (GMT) tonight, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will lead a service on the Pope's twelfth day in hospital.

Well-wishers are continuing to flock to the Gemelli Hopsital, where Pope Francis is receiving treatment, this evening.

Visitors have been pictured stood near the statue of Pope John Paul II gazing up at the room where the Pope is said to be being treated.

In a historic speech in Spetember 2015, Pope Francis addressed a joint meeting of Congress in Washington, United States.

The Pope remains in hospital in Rome today, with an update on his health set to be released by the Vatican at 6pm.

Watch our MailOnline video to take a look back at Pope Francis' time in the Vatican following his election to the papacy in 2013.

by Harry Howard, History Editor

He is currently ill in hospital with double pneumonia.

But when Pope Francis's time does come, he will not be buried with most of his predecessors in the grottoes beneath St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

At the end of 2023, the Pope revealed he had 'already prepared' his tomb in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood.

Read more here:

Carmelite Monks in Kildare, Ireland, have been pictured praying for Pope Francis at a mass dedicated to the pontiff.

It is among the latest display of affection for Francis asworshippers across the world hope for his recovery.

Pope Francis has never carried out a papal visit to Britain and he was forced to abandon plans to travel to the UK for a climate summit four years ago.

In 2021, Pope Francis had hoped to be among world leaders in Glasgow for COP26 but it was later confirmed Cardinal Parolin would represent the Vatican.

The conference took place after Francis underwent colon surgery in Rome.

The last papal visit to the UK was by Benedict in September 2010.

This is the historic moment Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013 as white smoke billowed from the Sistene Chapel.

BBC coverage fronted by former North America editor Jon Sopel reported crowds shouting wildly as bells pealed in St Peter's Square.

One of his guests was heard remarking, 'you've gotta be kidding me,' as the smoke was seen for the first time.

Watch the footage below:

Candles depicting Pope Francis are placed outside the Gemelli hospital

Pope Francis remains in 'critical' condition at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

The 88-year-old, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs.

The Vatican is expected to issue the latest update on his health at around 6pm but for now, here is what we know:

• Double pneumonia

Francis was admitted to hospital on February 14, initially for bronchitis, after appearing weak for several days and complaining of shortness of breath.

The Vatican later said he was suffering from a "polymicrobial respiratory infection," before revealing on February 18 that he had pneumonia affecting both lungs - part of what it called a "complex" clinical picture.

His condition deteriorated on Saturday, with a "prolonged asthmatic attack" which required him to receive "high-flow" oxygen via nasal cannulas.

On Monday, the pope's condition showed a "slight improvement", although doctors declined to offer a prognosis, the Vatican said.

• Work continues

Despite his condition, the pope has been "in a good mood", eating normally and "not in pain", according to a Vatican source, who said he was getting up and moving between his bed and an armchair.

From his special papal suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital, Francis has received his closest collaborators and has continued to work, while catching up with correspondence and newspapers.

He has been reading and signing documents, notably appointments of bishops around the world, as well as making telephone calls, according to the source.

On Monday the Vatican said Francis had called the parish of Gaza, as he has tried to do each evening since the beginning of the war.

He also met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, as the pope signed off on the canonisation of two new saints.

• Well-oiled communication

The Vatican has been providing updates on the pope's health twice a day, in a notable shift towards transparency compared to previous papacies.

Doctors said Francis himself had requested they be frank about his medical state.

Every morning around 0700 GMT, a brief statement generally indicates that the pope slept well, while in the early evening around 1800 GMT, a more detailed medical bulletin provides updates on his clinical progress.

• Longest hospital stay

The 12 days Francis has spent at Gemelli so far mark his fourth and longest stay in hospital since becoming pope in 2013.

In 2021, he spent 10 days at the Gemelli for colon surgery. In March 2023, he was an inpatient for three days for bronchitis and returned in June for a hernia operation, spending 10 days in hospital.

Additional reporting by the AFP News agency

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is greeted by Pope Francis in 2015

Pope Benedict XVI announced, in Latin, that he would resign because he couldn't keep up with the rigors of the papacy.

Francis has said he, too, would consider resigning if he found himself in that situation, after Benedict 'opened the door' to it and became the first pope in 600 years to retire.

Giovanna Cirri, the reporter for the Italian news agency ANSA who was covering the consistory that day and broke the story because she understood Latin, said she didn't think Francis would follow in Benedict's footsteps, 'even if some would want it.'

'I could be wrong, but I hope not,' she told The Associated Press. 'As long as he's alive, the world and the church need him.'

But Francis' English biographer, Austen Ivereigh, said it was possible he could quit the Vatican.

He said:

The pope has always said that the papacy is for life, and he has shown that there is no problem with a frail and elderly pope. But he has also said that should he ever have a long-term degenerative or debilitating condition which prevents him from fully carrying out the exercise of the papal ministry, he would consider resigning. And so would any pope.

Watch our video of Catholic worshippers expressing concern for Pope Francis as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.

For centuries, one of the biggest taboos at the Vatican was openly discussing the pope's health.

As leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, the pope is a revered spiritual figure. Talk about his earthly health was profane.

But as Pope Francis battles pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital, the Vatican has been trying something new.

The Holy See press office has been giving daily updates on his condition.

It has provided details such as the pope's use of high-flow oxygen and his need for blood transfusions, and even described a 'prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis' on February 22.

Two of the doctors treating Francis told a press conference on February 21 that it was the pope himself who had ordered the daily updates.

Doctor Sergio Alfieri, at the Gemelli hospital, said the instructions were to write updates 'without withholding anything'.

Additional reporting by Reuters

Crowds of well-wishers are continuing to gather outside the Gemelli hospital in Rome where the Pope is receiving treatment for pneumonia.

Here are the latest photographs we can show you:

We have more details now on the work being done by the Pope from hospital after it emerged he approved five new sainthoods on Monday.

It signals the machinery of the Vatican is still grinding on and looking ahead even with Francis in hospital and doctors warning his prognosis is guarded.

The Vatican's Tuesday noon bulletin announced that Francis had approved decrees for five people for beatification and two for canonisation.

The Vatican statement also said that during the audience with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his deputy, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, Francis had "decided to convene a consistory about the future canonisations".

Such an audience and decision is par for the course when Francis is at the Vatican.

He regularly approves decrees from the Vatican's saint-making office. But the forward-looking sense of the future consistory was significant, given his illness.

Here is the moment U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron sent their best wishes to the Pope from the White House.

The leaders met in Washington DC yesterday for talks on Ukraine and were asked about Francis.

Watch the moment below:

by Harry Howard

With Pope Francis remaining in a critical condition in hospital, millions of Catholics are praying that he will recover.

The Vatican offered hope today by saying there has been a 'slight improvement' in the condition of the Pontiff, who was admitted on Valentine's Day with an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

But the plight of the Argentine has prompted discussion about what will happen when the worst news does come.

Read more here:

If you're just joining us this afternoon, we are reporting live updates as Pope Francis continues to receive treatment for pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

Earlier this morning, the Vatican announced the 88-year-old 'rested all night long' after showing slight improvements last night.

Here's what you need to know today:

• In its latest update, the Vatican said Pope Francis enjoyed a good night's rest but his condition is still described as critical despite showing improvement
• Doctors treating the pontiff have cautioned any recovery will take time and hospitalisation will likely extend beyond this week
• A possible frontrunner to become the next Pope, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, has said it is not the time to 'speak or think' about resignations as he was asked about the future of the papacy
• The Vatican has announced nightly prayers will take place in St Peter's Square after estimated crowds of 4,000 people attended a vigil last night
• It has emerged Pope Francis was well enough to approve new decrees of candidates for possible sainthood from hospital on Monday

Stick with us throughout the afternoon as we continue to report live updates.

Pope Francis was well enough to meet in the hospital with the Vatican secretary of state and his deputy to approve new decrees of candidates for possible sainthood, officials have said.

The decrees, published on Tuesday in the Holy See's noon bulletin, signalled that the machinery of the Vatican is grinding on even with Francis in hospital and in critical condition.

The audience occurred on Monday.

Well wishers have been pictured praying outside Rome's Gemelli hospital where the Pope is receiving treatment for pneumonia.

Hoang Phuc Nguyen, who lives in Canada but was visiting Rome to participate in a Holy Year pilgrimage, said a special prayer for the pope at the statue of St. John Paul II outside the main entrance.

He said:

We heard that he is in the hospital right now and we are very worried about his health. He is our father and it is our responsibility to pray for him.

Here are some photographs we can show you:

A man prays outside the Agostino Gemelli hospital

A banner is held stating 'Francesco, you are needed today more than ever'

Tributes have been laid outside the hospital

The Vatican is setting up nightly prayers in St Peter's Square as Pope Francis today continues to receive treatment for pneumonia.

Tonight's vigil is expected to be presided over by Cardinal Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who heads the office responsible for the Catholic Church in the developing world.

It comes after Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a rosary on the stage where Francis usually leads prayers.

Parolin said: 'Starting this evening, we want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house,' adding he was praying that Francis 'in this moment of illness and trial' would recover quickly.

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni reportedly remains the only civil official to visit Pope Francis in hospital during his now 12-day stay at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

Meloni, who recently met EU leaders in Paris at a hastily arranged summit to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, took a trip to see Francis on February 19.

I was very glad to find him alert and responsive. We joked around as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humor.

It's a relationship that has raised eyebrows across Italy given their apparent political differences. According to reports, the pair are said to have formed a bond by focusing on shared priorities such as family.

Meloni was said to have had her first audience with the Pope in January 2023, four months after she was sworn in as prime minister.

According to the Vatican, they spoke about the demographic situation in Italy, Ukraine, migration, and poverty.

Doctors treating Pope Francis have cautioned any recovery will take time and hospitalisation will likely extend beyond this week.

The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has increasingly suffered health complications in recent years.

He is prone to bronchitis, is overweight and suffers knee and hip pain that has led to his reliance on a wheelchair.

It takes a young person at least two weeks to get over double pneumonia, Massimo Andreoni, scientific director of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, told La Stampa daily.

'For an older person like Pope Francis, with all the added complications... you have to wait even longer for a complete recovery,' Andreoni said.

Here is our current top story on the Pope on the MailOnline website

by Perkin Amalaraj

A critically ill Pope Francis, who is battling pneumonia in both lungs, 'rested well', the Vatican said on Tuesday after earlier reporting a 'slight improvement' in the condition of the 88-year-old.

The Argentine pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with breathing difficulties and bronchitis but his condition has subsequently worsened and Catholic faithful around the world have been praying for his recovery.

'The Pope rested well, all night long,' said the Vatican in a morning update on the 12th day of the pope's hospital stay.

Read the full story here:

Hundreds of Argentinians held a special mass service in the Buenos Aires square where Pope Francis once railed against inequality.

The service took place yesterday in the capital's Constitution Square which saw many wave Argentine flags, pray, sing hymns and chant 'Viva el Papa Francisco' or 'Long Live Pope Francis'.

Before becoming pope, Jorge Bergoglio, served as archbishop in the city and spoke out against injustice.

An Italian archbishop considered a possible candidate to become the next Pope told a local radio station there is 'no reason to speak or think' about Francis resigning the papacy.

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco dismissed questions about a possible resignation immediately after the rosary in St Peter's Square in an interview with RTL 102.5.

He said:

It seems to me that there is no reason to speak or think about the Pope's resignation.

Known for his conservative views, Bagnasco is viewed as a strong contender to become the next Pope through his deep ties to Vatican leadership.

He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis pictured with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik (left) in 2014

A South Korean cardinal has urged Catholics to open their hearts to the marginalised and the poor in tribute to Pope Francis as he continues to receive treatment for double pneumonia.

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik attended the vigil last night with many young Koreans to pray for Francis.

Speaking to Vatican News, You said:

I am very happy that the people of God, all of us, are here for the Pope, who is not feeling well. The Pope is at the center of Christianity, of the Church, he is the Successor of Peter. We must pray for him, who has loved us so much, and now we must give love to the Pope. I hope he recovers soon

It is important to do what the Pope wants: live the Word, open the heart, love others: the smallest, the migrants, the marginalized, the poor. Because by loving them, we love Jesus. The Pope has given us this example, he is giving us this example. We must continue, together, to make the Church and humanity more beautiful.

You was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.

Here is the latest footage outside Rome's Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis rested well after his 11h night in hospital.

Well-wishers are continuing to light candles and leave tributes as Catholics pray for his recovery.

Thousands of Catholics attend a nightly rosary prayer in St Peter's Square

Catholics attending the vigil for Pope Francis last night described the scenes in St Peter's Square as an 'historic moment' as they prayed for his recovery.

Peruvian national Hatzumi Villanueva said while she was particularly fond of former pope St John Paul II but Francis, as the first Latin American pontiff, 'draws a bit closer'.

She said:

We came to pray for the pope, that he may recover soon, for the great mission he's sharing with his message of peace.

Edward Burjek added:

No one knows the day and time, but it's a historic moment nonetheless.

Outside of the Vatican, Romans, pilgrims and even non-Catholics said they were offering special prayers for the pope.

'We are all sorry,' said Raniero Mancinelli, who has tailored ceremonial clothing for Francis and the two previous popes in his shop just outside the Vatican's walls.

Pope Francis is starting his 12th consecutive day in Rome's Gemelli hospital after he was admitted on Valentine's Day with a serious respiratory illness that has since triggered other health problems.

Catholics are fearing he may not recover after his condition was previously described as critical, while Francis himself has apparently warned those closest to him he may not survive.

Doctors have said the Argentine pope's condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease.

But in last night's update, they said he had not had any more respiratory crises since Saturday, and the supplemental oxygen he is using continued but with a slightly reduced oxygen flow and concentrations

The Vatican followed up today to say he rested well 'all night long' as thousands prayed for his recovery in St Peter's Square.

Still, the mood was mostly grim in the Vatican, with many of the roughly 4,000 assembled understanding they may be in Rome for Francis' final days.

Thousands of people gathered in St Peter's Square on Monday evening to pray for an ailing Pope Francis.

Those gathered expressed sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in new directions.

As Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's No 2, led prayers for 45 minutes on a chilly, rainy night, the faithful fingered rosary beads while hoping for Francis' recovery.

The Vatican issued a dose of optimism earlier in the evening, delivering a more upbeat health bulletin than in recent days.

Good morning.

This morning we are resuming our live coverage of Pope Francis who remains in hospital where he is battling double pneumonia.

In the latest update this morning, the Vatican has said the 88-year-old rested well all night.

It comes after the Vatican last night said Francis was showing signs of improvement.

Stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest on the Pope's condition.

Tuesday is the 12th day that Pope Francis has spent at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

It is the longest hospital stay of his papacy. Four years ago he spent 10 days in hospital after having his part of his colon removed.

In 2023, the pontiff had an acute case of pneumonia, and he has a history of respiratory illness, having undergone a partial lung removal in his youth.

Yesterday evening, the Vatican said that he was showing slight improvements.

The Vatican's statement read: 'The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical state, show a slight improvement.

'Even today there were no episodes of asthmatic respiratory crises; some laboratory tests improved.'

On Monday religious leaders in the UK shared supportive words for Pope Francis.

Northern Irish Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said: 'Pope Francis has a special place in the hearts of the people of Ireland and this closeness was especially evident during his visit to Dublin and Knock in August 2018.'

Meanwhile, Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher said Pope Francis was in his prayers. He said: It is a privilege to have met him twice, the most recent only six weeks ago in Rome, when his eyes sparkled with warmth and prayerful attentiveness.

The Bishop added: 'Like so many around the world and in the Diocese of Norwich, Pope Francis remains in my prayers.'

Prayers services for Pope Francis' health have taken places across the world today, including in Argentina, Mexico and the Vatican.

In Mexico, prayers were held outside of the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Thousands also gathered in Buenos Aires, St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican and outside the Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is being treated, in Rome.

Pope Francis is the first Latin American and first Jesuit, to take charge of the Roman Catholic Church.

'Francis, the city prays for you,' were projected on to the Obelisco, Buenos Aires' most iconic monument over the weekend.

And today teary crowds continued to gather as they hoped and prayed for his recovery.

Despite health concerns the Pope released his Angelus remarks yesterday.

He said the third anniversary of the conflict is a 'painful and shameful occasion for all humanity!'

'As I renew my solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people,' the Pope said, 'I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan.'

Less than three weeks ago the pontiff met with a group of Ukrainian children from during his weekly General Audience at his studio of the Paul VI Hall.

If you are just joining us now, there has been some encouraging news tonight.

Earlier the Vatican confirmed that there was a 'slight improvement' in the Pope's health.

However, the Vatican said that doctors would not offer a prognosis, 'considering the complexity of the clinical picture'.

A Vatican source added that the Jesuit was 'not in pain', was eating "normally" and was even 'in a good mood'.

Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, later added that Pope Francis 'should recover his health soon'.

Well wishers gathered earlier today to pray for the health of the poorly pontiff.

Crowds came together to participate in a mass for Pope Francis at Plaza Constitucion in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pope Francis was born in the Argentinian capital and was Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 until 2013.

Pope Francis, the eldest of three children, was born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina.

The pontiff was first ordained as a priest in 1958 - but actually studied to become a mechanical engineer in school.

A statue of the late Pope John Paul II, situated outside of the hospital where Pope Francis is being treated, has been lit-up as people across the world pray for the current pontiff.

In one touching moment, a tear streamed down the face of a woman praying at St Peter's Square earlier this evening.

After Cardinal Parolin addressed crowds at the Vatican and recited the Rosary Prayer, gatherers were filmed singing the Marian hymn Salve Ragina.

Cardinals and attendees proceeded to leave St Peter's Square a short time later, with prayers set to go ahead at the same time tomorrow evening, 8pm.

Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, has said that Pope Francis 'should recover his health soon' this evening at St Peter's Basilica.

He spoke to thousands, saying: 'In the Acts of the Apostles, it is said that the Church prayed intensely while Peter was kept in prison. For two thousand years, the Christian people have prayed for the Pope, who is in danger or is ill.

'Even in these days, since the Holy Father Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital, an intense prayer has been raised for him to the Lord, by individual believers and Christian communities throughout the world.'

Tonight's evening prayer for the health of Pope Francis has begun.

Thousands are in attendance, with all of the cardinals residing in Rome also present - they were pictured sat in the front row of proceedings.

As rain pours in Rome, well-wishers have gathered in St Peter's Square to pray for Pope Francis, who has suffered his eleventh day in hospital this Monday.

One attendee, Richard, took time out of his family holiday to attend the prayer. He said:

We saw this morning that the rosary would be held and we decided to return for the Holy Father, a Pope who is kind to people.

Crowds have gathered at St Peter's Basilica to attend this evening's Rosary Prayer for the health of Pope Francis.

The prayer, which will go ahead at 8pm, will be led by Cardinal Parolin and attended by all of the other cardinals in Rome.

When Pope Francis dies, he will not be buried with his predecessors beneath St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

At the end of 2023, the Pope revealed he had 'already prepared' his tomb in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood - away from the usual burial ground of previous popes.

And in a further break from tradition, the Argentinian is also to be laid to rest in a single zinc-lined woodent casket.

The room where Pope Francis is supposedly being treated in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, Rome, has been pictured.

During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House this evening, Donald Trump sent his wishes to the unwell Pope.

'We wish him well, we want him to get well,' said Trump.

'It's a very serious situation but we do want him to get well as soon as possible.'

President Macron of France added: 'We wish him a prompt recovery.'

At 8pm this evening, those cardinals who are in Rome will gather outside St Peter's Basilica to pray for the health of Pope Francis.

Monday's evening prayers, which will go ahead in around an hour and a half, will be lead by the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Parolin.

The prayer will follow the promising news out of the Vatican this evening that the Pope's health has shown 'slight improvements.'

On his eleventh day in a Rome hospital, Pope Francis's health is showing 'slight' signs of improvement, says the Vatican, but he remains in critical condition.

The Vatican's statement reads: 'The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical state, show a slight improvement.

'Even today there were no episodes of asthmatic respiratory crises; some laboratory tests improved.

'Monitoring of mild renal failure is not a cause for concern. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen percentage.

'The doctors, considering the complexity of the clinical picture, are prudently not releasing the prognosis yet. In the morning he received the Eucharist, while in the afternoon he resumed work activity.

'In the evening he called the Parish Priest of the Parish of Gaza to express his paternal closeness. Pope Francis thanks all the people of God who have gathered in these days to pray for his health.'

As Pope Francis spends his eleventh day receiving treatment in the Agostino Gemelli Hospital, many will be wondering who could be the next leader of the Catholic Church - and how he will be selected.

Following a Pope's death, or in rare cases their resignation, the College of Cardinals convene to elect their successor.

Those cardinals aged under 80 are permitted to take part in a secret ballot in the Sistine Chapel, where four daily rounds of voting occur until a candidate receives a major two-thirds of the vote.

The ballotting process typically lasts between 15 and 20 days, but who is likely to become Pope Francis's successor?

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Parolin has been the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013 and is currently the highest ranking cardinal in the electing conclave.

He will lead tonight's evening prayer for the current pope at the, where all of the cardinals in Rome will meet to recite the Rosary.

Cardinal Peter Erdö

Cardinal Erdö is a former President of the Council of Bishops Conferences across Europe, and is renowned for being devoted to Mary, mother of Jesus.

The Hungarian has been a cardinal for some 22 years.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

If elected, Tagle would be the first ever Asian Pope.

He is just the seventh Filipino to ever have become a cardinal.

Candles, flowers and portraits have been placed around the statue of Pope John Paul II, situated outside Rome's Agostiino Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalised.

Pope John Paul died almost 20 years ago aged 84.

Faithfuls are still gathered in the rain outside the Gemelli hospital in Rome where Pope Francis is receiving treatment, with nuns joined by members of the public to wish the pontiff well:

Pope Francis waves to crowds in Dublin on a visit to Ireland in 2018

Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher said Pope Francis was in his prayers, recalling:

It is a privilege to have met him twice, the most recent only six weeks ago in Rome, when his eyes sparkled with warmth and prayerful attentiveness.

The Bishop added: 'Like so many around the world and in the Diocese of Norwich, Pope Francis remains in my prayers.

'I trust he will be given health and strength to continue the ministry entrusted to him, not least his prioritisation of the care of the economically poorest people and the care of the environment.

'In both, he continues to be a prophetic witness.'

Northern Irish Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said today:

Pope Francis has a special place in the hearts of the people of Ireland and this closeness was especially evident during his visit to Dublin and Knock in August 2018.

He continued: 'Since his hospitalisation on February 14, we have been praying in a special way for the health and recovery of the Holy Father.'

Maria Vozlv, a Ukrainian who has lived in Rome for 18 years and gathered outside Gemelli hospital today with other faithfuls, said many in her home country were praying for Francis.

The pontiff has often decried the Russia-Ukraine war - which had its third anniversary today - and prayed for peace.

She said:

We Ukrainians are really praying for him. He needs to get well and come home.

The Pope meets a group of Ukrainian children during a general audience earlier this month

Francis shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of their private audience at the Vatican in October last year

Candlelit vigils before the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005

It has been suggested that the nightly prayers for Pope Francis's health which will start this evening are remniscent of the nighttime candlelit vigils that preceded the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

From today until Francis recovers, there will also be a daily Eucharistic Adoration and Mass at the Gemelli hospital, in the chapel there named for John Paul. The first of these Mass services today was standing room-only, with around 200 attendees.

An Italian man named Filomena Ferraro, who was visiting a relative in hospital, said:

We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope, let's hope that he makes it. Let us hope.

In New York City on Sunday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said he felt the Catholic faithful were united 'at the bedside of a dying father'.

In his homily from the pulpit of St Patrick's Cathedral, he said:

Our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death.

But he later told reporters he hoped and prayed the pontiff would 'bounce back'.

Pope Francis praying as a Jewish Rabbi looks on at the Western Wall in 2014

Fellow Jesuit and theologian Antonio Spadaro, who is close with Francis, told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: 'At this moment in history, one feels the need for his figure.'

He added there were 'many people around the world, including those in positions of responsibility, who are genuinely concerned because they know that Francis is one of the few who is able to connect the dots in a world that seems to be split'.

He added:

The pope is vigilant, he is exercising his pastoral duty even from his hospital bed, and - although in a different, less visible manner - he manifests his presence.'

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg said both Catholics and non-Catholics love Francis because 'he welcomes everyone, without distinction, with an open heart'.

He added: 'He has returned the Church to its most authentic nature... A close Church which consoles, listens and accompanies.'

Preparations for the evening rosary, praying for Pope Francis' health, taking place in St Peter's Square in Rome tonight, have begun.

The service will start at 9pm Rome time and will be led by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the second highest ranking official in the Vatican.

A large screen has been erected on a rainy day in the Italian city to announce tonight's service:

Here are some fascinating snapshots of the recent years of Pope Francis's papacy. In order:

• Francis celebrates Mass in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in February 2019 - marking the first time a pope visited an Arab Gulf state.
• The Pope shakes hands with a man dressed as Spider-Man, who goes to hospitals to entertain sick children, in June 2021. He gave Francis a Spider-Man mask of his very own.
• The pontiff is driven through Iraq on a golf buggy, surrounded by ruined churches, in March 2021. It was the first time a pope had visited Iraq and it was Francis' first trip abroad after the Covid pandemic.
• Francis blesses a boy during one of his general audiences at the Vatican in April 2022.
• The Pope greets a young boy at a general audience in the same month.
• The pontiff meets former US President Joe Biden in June 2024.
• During a general audience in April 2022, Pope Francis shows a Ukrainian flag that was sent to him from the town of Bucha, Ukraine.

The Pope revealed in 2022 that soon after his election in 2013, he submitted a resignation letter that would take effect should illness prevent him fulfilling his duties.

He made the comment in Spanish newspaper ABC when asked what happens if health issues suddenly leave a pope unable to do his job.

At the time, he was suffering with knee pain that left him wheelchair-bound for months.

Francis said: 'In practice there is already a rule. I have already signed my renunciation.

'I signed it and said, "If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. Here you have it".'

Once he drafted his letter in 2013, he handed it to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State at the time - the second highest position in the Vatican.

The Pope suspected the letter was passed on to Bertone's successor, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Read our report:

When President Donald Trump visited the Vatican in May 2017, Pope Francis greeted him, along with wife Melania Trump, by asking her jokingly, 'What are you feeding him, potica?'

He was referring to a traditional Slovenian dessert - presumably known to Slovenian-born Mrs Trump - which is a rolled sweet bread with filling, like a Swiss roll.

She replied, 'Potica, yes', before sharing a laugh with the Pope about the diet of her 6'3", 15-stone husband.

A daily hour-long Eucharistic Adoration service, followed by Mass - at Gemelli hospital, where the Pope is being treated - has been introduced from today until he recovers.

Pictures of the first of these services have emerged. Take a look:

Here are some more images from the archive which chart the varied life and papal career of Pope Francis. In order:

• Before becoming pope, Francis was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In that role, he took the bus to work and cooked his own meals, as seen in this picture from 2008, which shows him taking public transport to Mass.
• The day after he was elected pope in 2013, he made sure to head down to the reception desk at the clerical accommodation he stayed in during the election, to pay his lodging bill himself.
• The pontiff donned a red nose in 2013 when two workers for a charity that brings clowns into hospitals, nursing homes and orphanages to entertain patients got married.
• The Pope answered reporters' questions impromptu on a flight back from Brazil in 2013. In response to a question about LGBTQ+ people in the clergy, he said: 'If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?' Many saw the remark as a milestone for the Catholic world, marking a shift into a more tolerant era.
• Francis's predecessor Benedict XVI greets him at St Peter's Basilica in February 2015.
• The Pope prays on the floor of St Peter's Basilica on Good Friday, April 2015.
• Francis is named Person of the Year by Time magazine in 2013, the year of his election as pope.

Starting today, until Francis has recovered in the Gemelli hospital in Rome, there will be an hour of Eucharistic Adoration every day from noon until 1pm at the hospital's chapel, the Vatican has announced.

The hour-long services at the St John Paul II Chapel will be followed by Mass.

During the services, special prayers will be offered for the Pope.

Later today, at 4.30pm Rome time, the rosary will be recited in front of the statue of St John Paul II in the square outside the hospital and Mass will follow at 5pm in the Hospital Hall.

The Vatican said: 'Everyone all around the world is invited to participate in these moments of prayer - both physically and spiritually.'

It suggested those outside Rome recite the following prayer:

Lord Jesus, Redeemer of the world, who took upon yourself our pain and carried our suffering in your passion, hear the prayer we offer for our sick brother: grant him trust and revive his hope, that he may be lifted up in body and spirit.

From royalty, to musicians, to tech magnates, to Hollywood actors, Pope Francis has met his fair share of big names.

Have a look at some examples of his famous meet and greets, compiled by our MailOnline video team, below:

Our MailOnline video team has put together some clips of the vehicles used by Francis on world tours.

The popemobile was specially designed to allow the pontiff to be more visible when greeting large crowds.

See our video below:

The Vatican has announced Cardinals will gather in St Peter's Square tonight at 9pm to pray for the health of Pope Francis - starting a nightly tradition until the Pope recovers.

The Holy See Press Office released a statement announcing Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City, will lead the rosary.

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller has told Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera it is not the time to think about who will succeed Pope Francis in the Vatican.

In remarks published by the newspaper, Cardinal Müller said:

The Pope is alive now and this is the time to pray , not to think about who will be his successor. And if there is someone who thinks about the future while Francis is in the hospital , it is not good, it is not good at all.

I have known Pope Francis for a long time, there is a personal, emotional bond. We must pray for him, for his recovery, knowing that everything is in God's hands and we cannot change the situation. Moreover, at this moment it is important that first of all we cardinals bear witness to our faith.

Cardinal Müller, who was a close friend of the Pope's predecessor Benedict XVI, insisted the Catholic Church was 'ready for all possibilities'.

The scene outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital

The chaplain of Rome's Gemelli Hospital where the Pope is being treated has reportedly said the time has come to 'hope against all hope'.

Father Nunzio Corrao led a prayer at the hospital earlier today in which he is reported to have said:

'In this moment, I would like to ask for Abraham's same faith, the 'spes contra spem', hope against all hope.'

Latin phrase 'Spes contra spem' originates from St Paul's Epistle to the Romans and is used to describe someone who does not abandon all chances of hope despite facing adverse circumstances.

According to reports, Father Corrao recalled the pontiff's desire for peace during the prayer held in the St John Paul II chapel.

I am certain that the Pope is also using this moment of suffering to ask the Lord for peace after three years of war in Europe, as well as in the Middle East, without also forgetting the other wars.

The pontiff has had many iconic moments over the course of his twelve-year papacy. Here are a few more of the best photographs that capture them:

• Pope Francis speaks at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN in New York City, urging world leaders to combat poverty and environmental destruction, in September 2015.
• The pontiff dons a sombrero given to him by a Mexican journalist on a flight to Havana, Cuba, in February 2016.
• Francis welcomes twelve Syrian refugees, including six children, to Rome. He brought them there in the papal plane from refugee camps on the Greek island of Lesbos and said he would maintain them during their new lives in Italy, in April 2016.

During the coronavirus pandemic, which began five years ago, there were many eerie pictures captured of Pope Francis preaching to empty streets, with the normally heaving St Peter's Square empty. Here are some of the most striking examples:

Here are some of the best pictures of the Pope from the early part of his papacy. In order:

• The Pope prays in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem, in May 2014.
• The pontiff is presented with a birthday cake during a weekly audience for his 78th birthday in December 2014.
• Francis meets the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on their visit to Rome in April 2014.
• He shakes hands with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Castro's residence in Havana - where the pair were said to have had a friendly, informal chat and exchanged books - in September 2015.
• The Pope addresses a joint session of the US Congress, challenging the USA to join a worldwide campaign against climate change and poverty and encouraging the country to embrace undocumented migrants in September 2015.
• Former US president Barack Obama leans over for a chat with Pope Francis during a state arrival ceremony at the White House in September 2015.

A chilling prediction about Pope Francis made by 16th-century astrologer Nostradamus has been unearthed after the Vatican revealed the pontiff was in 'critical condition'.

Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, supposedly predicted the fate of the Pope in a rediscovered quote from his book Les Propheties, published in 1555.

In prophecies written nearly 500 years ago, Nostradamus warned of the 'death of a very old Pontiff.'

He wrote: 'Through the death of a very old Pontiff… a Roman of good age will be elected. Of him it will be said that he weakens his see… but long will he sit and in biting activity.'

Our reporter has more:

Faithfuls in Dili, the capital of East Timor, southeast Asia, were pictured yesterday praying for Francis' health in front of a cardboard cutout of the pontiff.

They reached out to touch the cut-out during the Sunday mass service.

Pope Francis has become known as a dynamic leader, unafraid to challenge tradition across his twelve-year papacy. Here are some examples of the ways in which he has broken with Catholic tradition:

• Election, February 2013 - Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first to take the papal name Francis and the first Jesuit pope. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse, instead of the official papal residence called the Apostolic Palace. He went to events in a Fiat instead of a Mercedes-Benz.
• Investigation of the Vatican Bank, August 2013 - He set up a commission to investigate the bank, long suspected of money laundering and corruption, which would report back to him directly.
• Public confession, March 2014 - Before Francis confessed his sins to a priest at a penitential service designed for confession by churchgoers, there was no instance in recent memory of a pope going to confession in public.
• Appointed first woman to the Synod of Bishops, February 2021 - Sister Nathalie Becquart, from France, was the first woman appointed as an undersecretary to the Synod of Bishops, which advises the pontiff and debates the biggest issues in the Catholic Church.
• Criticism of laws that criminalise homosexuality, January 2023 - He criticised such laws as 'unjust', saying God loves all his children as they are and adding: 'Being homosexual isn't a crime.' He advised Catholic bishops to welcome LGBTQ+ people into the church. Campaigners hailed his words as a milestone - the first said by a pope about such laws.

Pope Francis has a long history of mobility issues too. The 88-year-old had two falls recently, bruising his chin in December and injuring his arm last month.

He has long suffered from sciatica, a nerve condition causing back, hip and leg pain. Flare-ups saw him miss New Year's Eve and New Year's Day services in December 2020 - the first time he missed major religious events for health reasons.

He also has a knee problem but has opted against surgery to avoid the long-term negative side effects of anaesthesia - which affected him after his colon surgery in 2021. Francis has used laser and magnet therapy instead.

The pontiff had to cancel several trips abroad in 2022 due to his walking problems - to Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. He rescheduled his journeys to the African countries to 2023.

Francis now uses a wheelchair and cane.

Pope Francis' hospitalisation on February 14 was the latest in a long history of health issues.

When he was 21, he developed pleurisy - lung inflammation causing sharp chest pain - and had to have part of one of his lungs removed.

He has repeatedly had influenza since the start of 2023, needing a hospital check-up one day in February 2024 and having to cancel appointments on one day in September later that year.

Francis could not attend Cop28 in Dubai in November 2023 because of being ill with influenza and experiencing a lung inflammation flare-up.

He has also had issues with bronchitis before this latest hospitalisation, taken to hospital with breathing difficulties in March 2023 before receiving antibiotics.

Also, in June 2023, he spent nine days in hospital amid surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.

And he had 33cm of his colon removed in a six-hour operation in July 2021 to address a painful bowel condition called diverticulitis - which returned in 2023.

He has also spoken about seeing a psychiatrist in 2021 and how he manages his mental health, including by listening to music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Pictured, prayers for Francis yesterday in his home city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pope Francis is battling pneumonia and 'mild' kidney failure - but had a good night of sleep and was resting as of a Vatican update this morning.

Later this morning, Vatican sources said the pope was awake, in good spirits, eating normally and continuing treatment.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to hospital on February 14 with bronchitis and later diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs.

His condition had been improving until Saturday when he was given supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions, to address a low platelet count, after a prolonged asthmatic-like attack.

Blood tests on Sunday showed a 'mild renal insufficiency', which was 'currently under control', the Vatican said yesterday evening.

It added he was receiving 'high-flow oxygen therapy' through a nasal cannula but was 'vigilant and well-orientated'.

On Friday, doctors said he was 'not yet out of danger' and would likely remain hospitalised for at least another week.

They said the major risk was sepsis, a serious blood infection which can happen as a complication of pneumonia.

Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at the Gemelli hospital where Francis is staying, said on Friday the pontiff was on a 'significant' amount of medication and would remain until hospital until he was fully out of danger.

This was because, he said, Francis would just immediately return to work if discharged too soon: 'We need to focus on getting through this phase... the pope is not a person who gives up.'

He also said the pope was aware he 'was in danger' - and asked his medical team to relay that to press.

Pictured, faithfuls pray for the Pope's health at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan at St Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

Pope Francis is awake, in good spirits, eating normally and continuing his treatment plan, according to Vatican sources.

A further official update will be given later.

It follows a short statement from the Vatican earlier this morning, which said, 'The night went well', and, 'The Pope slept and is resting'.

The updates come after another statement on Sunday which said Francis was in critical condition, exhibiting an 'early, mild' kidney problem which was 'under control'. He was still 'alert and well-oriented', it said.

It added he took part in mass yesterday morning along with those who have been caring for him.

But the 'complexity of the clinical situation' and need to allow 'time for the pharmacological treatments to show results' meant that the prognosis would remain 'guarded', the spokesperson said.

It said he had not experienced any more asthmatic respiratory crises since his attack on Saturday and his blood platelet count had stabilised, after a period where it was low.

He was still receiving 'high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal canulas', it added.

A representative from senior church committee, the College of Cardinals, reads out a Latin announcement called 'Habemus papam', meaning, 'We have a pope', from the main balcony of St Peter's Basilica, to a crowd of onlookers below.

The new pope - having chosen a papal name, most one of a saint or predecessor - steps on to the balcony in a white cassock to give his first public address.

Most popes serve until their death. Francis' predecessor Benedict XVI, though, resigned in 2013, aged 85, for health reasons - and he was the first pope to step down in 600 years.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, chose his papal name in honour of St Francis of Assisi, who lived in humble service to the poor. He is the first pope to choose Francis as his papal name.

Pictured, nuns and members of the public praying for Francis outside the Gemelli hospital in Rome:

The cast of Conclave wished the Pope a swift recovery at last night's Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.

The film, named for and about the process of electing a new pope, won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture yesterday (pictured, below, the cast accepting and holding their award).

Italian actress Isabella Rossellini (pictured, second from right, in first photo below), who plays the cardinals' caterer and housekeeper Sister Agnes in the film, said during the ceremony: 'First of all, we would like to wish Pope Francis a quick recovery.'

When interviewed later, she added: 'Pope Francis, I wish him well.'

Italian actor Sergio Castellitto (pictured, left, in first photo below), who plays Italian traditionalist Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco in Conclave, echoed her sentiments: 'For us that live in Rome, to live at a few metres, few yards from the Pope, is to have a much closer relationship.

'We see the helicopter leaving his place, "Oh, is the Pope flying off today and coming back?" So, your relationship as Italians to the Pope is much closer. I repeat, I really wish him well.'

Wednesday, February 19: He is ‘stable’, according to the Vatican: ‘Blood tests… show a slight improvement, particularly in the inflammatory markers.’ Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visits him in hospital: ‘I am very happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always.’

Thursday, February 20: Francis is said to be ‘slightly improving’, the Vatican says, with blood tests indicating a stable condition. His doctors hold their first press conference saying he will not die but is not ‘out of danger’.

Saturday, February 22: The Vatican says, ‘The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical’ – their first use of the word ‘critical’ in statements to date.

Francis has, it adds, ‘an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen’. He also needed blood transfusions as tests showed his platelet count was low.

The Vatican adds: ‘The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair although he is more fatigued than yesterday.’

Sunday, February 23: A one-sentence update from the Vatican reads: ‘The night was tranquil, the Pope rested.’ He was said to be awake and alert, with oxygen available through a tube in his nose but breathing unaided.

Pictured, faithfuls in Guatemala City pray yesterday for Pope Francis' recovery.

As the Pope faces his most serious health crisis yet, here is a timeline of events that have led to him being in critical condition in hospital:

Wednesday, February 5: Francis says in his regular Wednesday general audience at the Vatican that he is fighting off a ‘strong cold’, requesting an aide to read his speech for him, as he says his illness makes it ‘difficult to speak’.

Thursday, February 6: The Vatican announces Francis has bronchitis and will hold scheduled audiences at his residence in the Vatican rather than at the Apostolic Palace over the next two days. He continues his regular activities.

Friday, February 14: After hoping to overcome his bronchitis without going to hospital and determined to keep holding his audiences as planned, Francis is brought to the Gemelli hospital for tests and treatment. It followed him struggling to speak in several meetings.

Monday, February 17: The Vatican says he has a ‘polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract’, describing this as a ‘complex clinical situation’.

Tuesday, February 18: The Pope’s calendar is cleared by the Vatican until February 23, which then later announces he has developed double pneumonia – across both lungs.

Pictured, below, a projection of Francis with a caption reading in Spanish, 'Francis, the city prays for you', in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the city of his birth.

Two or three weeks after the funeral of the previous pope, senior church committee, the College of Cardinals, would meet in Rome's Sistine Chapel to hold a conclave - the secretive process of papal election.

Theoretically, any baptised Roman Catholic man could become pope - but in reality, the candidate has always come from the College of Cardinals.

Most of the 266 pontiffs have been European. Francis, born in Argentina, is the first non-European to take the role in 1,300 years.

There is no campaigning involved when candidates run for election.

On voting day, the Sistine Chapel is closed and the cardinals are locked inside. Only cardinals younger than 80 can vote.

Around 120 of them, having taken an oath of secrecy, will vote in secret for their desired candidate, placing their ballot paper in a chalice on the altar.

If no one gets a two-thirds majority, another round of voting occurs - and there can be up to four rounds a day.

Francis' election in 2013 (pictured below) took around 24 hours and five ballots, relatively short compared to how long it could take - one 13th-century conclave took around three years and an 18th-century one took four months.

After the votes are counted, they are burned inside the Sistine Chapel in a stove previously installed by Vatican firefighters.

Via a chimney, they burn certain chemicals to send a colour-coded signal to the world about the election result - black smoke means a new pope has not been chosen yet, while white smoke (pictured below) means the new leader has been selected.

Footage has emerged of the Pope's suite at the Gemelli hospital in Rome where he is being treated for early kidney failure, following bronchitis and pneumonia in both lungs, as the Vatican confirms he is in 'critical condition'.

After Pope John Paul II stayed at the Gemelli hospital several times, before passing away in 2005, a papal suite was created at the hospital on the top floor.

Nicknamed 'Vatican III' by John Paul II, the dedicated room allows the leaders of the Catholic Church to be hospitalised securely and in a peaceful environment.

The suite has a bedroom, bathroom, a chapel, two small lounges, a room for security guards, a meeting room for doctors and a secretaries' room.

Watch below:

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi led a prayer for Pope Francis' health at the Church of San Domenico in Bologna, Italy, yesterday.

He said at the service that over the next few days, Italian churches 'will gather in so many ways always in the sweet company of Mary to intercede for the Pope's recovery'.

His funeral would most likely be in St Peter's Square, Vatican City, around four to six days after his death. It would be led by the dean of senior church committee the College of Cardinals.

The pope is then normally buried in the crypt underneath St Peter's Basilica, named the Vatican Grottoes, along with the nearly 100 other popes laid to rest there.

But Francis announced in 2023 he would be buried in the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, one of the city's four papal basilicas and a personal favourite of Francis who goes there often.

Seven other popes are buried there - but Francis would be the first pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Popes have previously been buried in three coffins, nested inside each other - one cypress, one zinc and one elm.

Francis, in keeping with his desire to simplify his rites, would be buried in one coffin, made from wood and zinc.

He would also likely be buried with what is known as his 'rogito', an 1,000-word document about his life and reign.

Pictured below is the funeral of Francis' predecessor Benedict XVI, who died in 2022:

Francis' cousin Carla Rabezzana (pictured below), 93, said yesterday she was very concerned for her relative's health.

Ms Rabezzana, who still lives in the family's hometown of Portacomaro, near Turin, said: 'We are all extremely worried.

'We hope he will feel better soon and get over this bad moment, I am very agitated.'

She added: 'We are all praying for him to get out of hospital.'

The pope's cousin added that the local church had been full of worshippers.

He paid a private visit to relatives in the town three years ago (pictured) and met suppporters in in Asti in the Piedmont region his family's hometown is in. He presided over a mass at the city's cathedral and received honorary citizenship of Asti.

The pope's death would be followed by nine days of mourning, a period known as the Novendiale, which originated in Ancient Rome. Italy would also go into national mourning.

His body would be displayed in St Peter's Basilica, after it was blessed and dressed in papal vestments, for his supporters to come to pay their respects.

Francis requested, last year, simplified rites - instead of his body being displayed on a raised platform, he would lie in an open coffin.

During this time, daily prayer and Requiem Masses will be held at the Basilica and across the globe.

The Vatican will enter a period named sede vacante, meaning 'the seat is vacant'. It marks the time when senior church committee, the College of Cardinals, temporarily rules the church. It cannot make major decisions in this time.

In the past, many popes were embalmed and had their organs removed before being buried but these practices have largely been left behind now. A church near the Trevi Fountain in the Italian capital has the hearts of more than 20 popes in marble urns, as holy relics.

Below are pictures of several masses held in Mexico City, Mexico, yesterday, to pray for the health of the Pope:

Anxious supporters of Francis from around the world have been praying for his full recovery over the course of his 11 days in hospital.

He spoke from his hospital bed yesterday to thank his doctors and all the people sending 'prayers of comfort' from across the globe.

He said: 'I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment - and rest is also part of the therapy!'

He added: 'In recent days I have received many messages of affection and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.

'Thank you for this closeness and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary and I ask you to pray for me.'

Our reporter has more - and pictures have poured in from across the world of Francis' supporters making the 'prayers of comfort' he so valued. Here are some from outside the Gemelli hospital in Rome:

The first thing to happen when a pope dies is the confirmation of their death. A senior Vatican official called the camerlengo visits the pope's body in their private chapel and tries to rouse him, confirming the death when the pontiff does not respond.

This symbolic, ceremonial process would, these days, tend to follow a standard medical confirmation of death.

When the pope does not respond to the camerlengo, their signet ring - used as a seal for official documents - is destroyed, marking the end of their papacy. The papal apartments are closed off.

The camerlengo then tells a senior church committee called the College of Cardinals the pope has died - before the Vatican announces it to the world media.

The current camerlengo is Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell (pictured).

With Francis experiencing the longest hospitalisation of his papacy, the Catholic world is preparing for the worst.

Last year, he approved a more stripped back version of a papal funeral for himself, getting rid of some of the more archaic rituals that traditionally come with such an event.

But still, the series of events that would happen if the Pope were to pass away is one that has been honed over centuries, with some aspects dating back to Ancient Rome.

And at the end, there would be an election to select the new Catholic leader - just like in the Oscar-nominated film Conclave (pictured, Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence) - watching over the spiritual life of a billion people around the world.

We will break the process down into five parts: his death, burial and mourning period, the election that follows and the announcement of a new pope.

The Vatican's one-line update from this morning, saying that the Pope was resting after a good night's sleep, did not mention if Francis had woken up.

Late last night, doctors reported that blood tests showed early kidney failure - but it was under control.

He remains in critical condition but has not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday when he had a prolonged asthmatic attack.

He was receiving high amounts of oxygen and yesterday, he was alert, responsive and attended Mass.

Doctors have said the pontiff's condition is touch and go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing chronic lung disease.

They have warned that the main threat he faces is sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can happen as a complication of pneumonia.

But the Vatican itself has not yet mentioned sepsis in its regular updates on his condition.

Francis spent ten days at the Gemelli hospital in 2021 after he had part of his colon removed.

Pictures from this morning show the enormous number of gifts well wishers have laid outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where the Pope is being treated.

One sign reads, 'Get well soon, Pope Francis', and is surrounded by helium balloons, with some red and heart-shapped and others displaying the pontiff's face on them.

Candles, flowers, portraits of the Pope and other messages have been placed at the feet of the statue of late Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005, outside the hospital.

Francis had a good night last night, according to an update from the Vatican this morning, and is resting after he was 'well oriented' on Sunday and attended Mass.

'The night passed well, the pope slept and is resting', the statement said.

Our reporter has more in our latest coverage of the Pope's ongoing health crisis:

Hello and welcome to MailOnline's live coverage as Pope Francis remains in critical condition and is suffering early kidney failure in hospital, according to the Vatican's latest announcement.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment for pneumonia and a complex lung infection for 11 days at Rome's Gemelli hospital since being admitted with breathing difficulties on February 14.

It makes this the longest hospitalisation of his papacy, since he became leader of the worldwide Catholic Church since 2013.

Stick with us as we bring you the latest updates from this breaking news story.