Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has visited Pope Francis in the hospital and says he’s “alert and responsive” and full of good humor despite his pneumonia.

Pope Francis continues to be in serious but stable condition as he concludes his 12th day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said Feb. 25. The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis.

I am very happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humor,” the Italian PM said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in the hospital on Wednesday where she spent 20 minutes with the 88-year-old pontiff.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in hospital Wednesday and reported he was ''alert and responsive'' and full of good humor, despite his diagnosis of pneumonia and a complicated bronchial infection that has sidelined the 88-year-old pontiff for six days.

Hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, Pope Francis was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state to approve new decrees for possible saints and make some major governing decisions.

Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors for Pope Francis, said he is a “fragile” patient given his advanced age and chronic health issues.

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.

As Pope Francis remains in critical condition fighting a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia, world and interfaith leaders are offering well wishes and prayers for the recovery of the Argentine pontiff.

Italy's PM visits Pope Francis as he undergoes treatment in hospital. She conveys wishes for a speedy recovery on behalf of the Italian govt and the nation. Pope Francis, 88 has reportedly told close aides 'his end is near'.