Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in the hospital on Wednesday and said he’s “alert and responsive” and full of good humour despite his pneumonia.
In a statement issued by her office, Ms Meloni said: “We joked around as always. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour.”
Her visit marked the first confirmed outside visitor known to have called on the pope, beyond his secretaries and medical team, since he was taken to hospital on Friday.
Francis slept well, got out of bed and ate breakfast on Wednesday, the Vatican said, after tests confirmed the 88-year-old pontiff had developed pneumonia in both lungs in a further complication that raised concerns about his ability to fight off the infection.
In an early update on Wednesday, the Vatican said Francis spent his fifth night in Rome’s Gemelli hospital peacefully.
“He had a tranquil night, woke up and had breakfast,” spokesman Matteo Bruni said.