The Vatican has issued a fresh statement on the health of Pope Francis, with an update from the doctors attending to himPope Francis, 88, has been hospitalised with severe bronchitis, raising concerns about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church and prompting discussions about succession The statement hinted at the current state of the ailing pope,

The release of the photo a month into his treatment came after dozens of young people gathered under the pontiff’s windows to offer wishes for a quick recovery.

Doctors said Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death as a result of pneumonia but have decided to keep him hospitalized for several more days to receive treatment.

The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis since his hospitalization over a month ago, showing the pontiff celebrating Mass earlier in the day from the chapel in his hospital suite.

Pope Francis, who has been seriously ill for weeks, has expressed his compassion to all those who are unwell, according to a transcript published by the Holy See on Sunday. "I am going through a time of trial,

Pope Francis is registering new slight improvements in his monthlong treatment for pneumonia in both his lungs, the Vatican said Monday, as it also provided some details on the first photo of the pope released since his hospitalization.

Pope Francis is spending short moments breathing on his own, the Vatican said on Monday, a day after publishing his first photo since hospitalization.

Over the last week, the 88-year-old’s condition has stabilised and doctors said he was no longer in imminent danger of death.