The Vatican says the Pope has spent a sixth peaceful night in hospital where he's being treated for pneumonia.

In a note to journalists on Thursday morning, the Holy See Press Office said: "Pope Francis has had a restful night and this morning, got out of bed and had breakfast in an armchair." The update also confirmed that new blood tests yesterday evening had shown a "slight improvement" in the Pontiff's health.

The 88-year-old, who suffered from pleurisy as a young man and had part of one lung removed, was admitted to hospital on Friday and diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs on Tuesday. He also has a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory tract.

Francis was visited at Rome's Gemelli Hospital yesterday evening by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who reported he was in good spirits and had "joked around as always".