Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, is in stable condition and has shown "slight improvement" in results from recent blood tests, the Vatican said on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pontiff is undergoing treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital,

Updates on Francis’ condition, which was said to be stable on Wednesday, have typically been spare, leaving plenty of room for suspicion and speculation.

It comes as the pope is reportedly rushing to tie up loose ends and secure his legacy ahead of the race to succeed him. It has once again raised concerns over the health of the Ar