The pontiff has been recovering from pneumonia, after he was admitted last month.

Pope Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013, has been in hospital for the past month and has been improving in recent days.

The Vatican said on Saturday the Pope had shown a "good response" in recent days to his treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

The Vatican said Pope Francis spent the night on "non-invasive mechanical ventilation".

The Pope resumes mechanical ventilation after suffering two "acute respiratory failures" on Monday.

The latest statement suggests that the 88-year-old is able to sit in his chair, eat normally and do what the Vatican calls "light work".

Around the world, prayers and services are being held in support of the pontiff.

The Vatican says the Pope's condition has improved as he spends an 11th day in hospital with double pneumonia.