Italian Premier Says Pope 'Alert and Responsive'

Pope Francis faces a health challenge as pneumonia complicates his recovery from bronchitis, yet his spirits remain unyielding. In a visit, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni finds the 88-year-old pontiff as humorous as ever, even from a hospital room. "We joked around as always. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humor," she said, calling him "alert and responsive." This visit marked the first confirmed visit from outside his secretaries and medical team since Friday.

The Vatican stated Pope Francis slept well and had breakfast on Wednesday. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed he is in good spirits and grateful for well-wishers' prayers. Francis' vicar for Rome called for an hour of silent prayer for his recovery. Pilgrims gathered at St. Peter's Square to pray.

Francis was admitted after a weeklong bout with bronchitis worsened. On Monday, a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection was identified, leading to pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff had a lung operation in his youth, making him vulnerable. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)