Pope Francis, 86, is improving after being rushed to hospital with trouble breathing

Pope Francis grimaces as he is helped to his popemobile before being rushed to hospital with trouble breathing.

The 86-year-old Roman Catholic leader is said to have improved yesterday and felt well enough to work from his sickroom – although it remains unclear how long he will stay.

1

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: “His Holiness had a good night’s rest.

“His condition is improving and he is continuing his planned treatment.

“This morning he read some newspapers and went back to work.

“Before lunch he prayed and received the Eucharist.”

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Wednesday and ordered a few days of rest from a respiratory infection said to be non-Covid.

Hours before he was admitted to the hospital, he had greeted the faithful at his weekly audience in the popemobile.

The question now is whether he is well enough to attend services next Holy Week and Easter.