The Vatican has announced the start of night-time prayers for the health of Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square as the 88-year-old pontiff battles a complex lung infection and other complications. The Vatican’s No 2,

The Vatican on Monday announced the start of nighttime prayers for the health of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, and invited Romans and others to join in, as the 88-year-old pontiff battled a complex lung infection and complications.

Vatican announces night prayers for Pope Francis' health as he battles lung infection, complications; Cardinal Parolin to lead.

Pope Francis, hospitalised in critical condition with pneumonia in both lungs, was conscious and "not in pain" Monday, the Vatican and a source said, amid global concern over the pontiff's health. His initial bronchitis developed into double pneumonia and on Saturday the Vatican warned for the first time that the pope's condition was critical.

Francis is being treated for pneumonia, a complex infection and kidney problems that have left him in critical condition.

Pope Francis, in critical condition battling double pneumonia, had a "good" night in hospital, slept and is resting, the Vatican said on Monday.