Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in the hospital on Wednesday where she spent 20 minutes with the 88-year-old pontiff.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has visited Pope Francis in the hospital and says he’s “alert and responsive” and full of good humor despite his pneumonia.

I am very happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humor,” the Italian PM said.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition and he continues to receive supplemental oxygen, but he has not experienced any further respiratory crises.

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

Pope Francis "joked around" with Giorgia Meloni after spending a "tranquil" fifth night in hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for pneumonia, Italy's prime minister has said.

Rome: Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis for 20 minutes in the hospital on Wednesday and reported he was "alert and responsive" and full of good humour, despite his diagnosis of pneumonia and a complicated bronchial infection that has sidelined the 88-year-old pontiff for six days.

Pope Francis was in jovial mood when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni popped in to visit him in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he is fighting off pneumonia in both lungs, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported on Thursday.

Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in hospital yesterday and reported he was “alert and responsive”, despite his diagnosis of pneumonia and a complicated bronchial infection that has sidelined the 88-year-old pontiff for six days.

Italy's PM visits Pope Francis as he undergoes treatment in hospital. She conveys wishes for a speedy recovery on behalf of the Italian govt and the nation. Pope Francis, 88 has reportedly told close aides 'his end is near'.

ROME (AP) — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in hospital Wednesday and reported he was “alert and responsive” and full of good humor, despite his diagnosis of pneumonia ...