#VATICAN

Pope Francis is showing a “good response” to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been in the hospital for over two weeks.

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.

Pope Francis is still critically ill as he battles double pneumonia, but his condition has shown a "slight improvement,", the Vatican said on Monday.

Pope Francis has shown the onset of double pneumonia, further complicating treatment for the 88-year pontiff, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Albania is planning to create the world’s smallest country as a home for a mystical Muslim sect to promote a ‘tolerant version of Islam’.

The funeral of John Paul II was one of the world’s largest Christian gatherings in history. At the time of his death, around 100,000 pilgrims gathered at St. Peter’s Square.

Francis also called for the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

The Mass on Holy Saturday is the longest in the liturgical year.

The Polish Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, has responded on social media to Pope Francis’ comments suggesting that Ukraine should “raise the white flag” and end the war with Russia.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Andrzej Dziuba from his position as bishop of the central diocese of Łowicz due to his failure to report cases of sexual abuse of minors.