Pope Francis "joked around" with Giorgia Meloni after spending a "tranquil" fifth night in hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for pneumonia, Italy's prime minister has said.

Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in hospital yesterday and reported he was “alert and responsive”, despite his diagnosis of pneumonia and a complicated bronchial infection that has sidelined the 88-year-old pontiff for six days.

Pope Francis, who has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, passed a “peaceful night”, the Vatican said Wednesday, amid growing concerns over the 88-year-old’s condition.