World: Pope Francis has experienced several bouts of ill health over the last two years and is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.

Pope had two fresh episodes of ‘acute respiratory failure’, says Vatican

Pope Francis, sitting in his wheelchair, washed and kissed the feet of 12 women prisoners as part of a traditional ritual ahead of Easter on Thursday (Mar 28). To perform the ritual the pontiff travelled to Rome's Rebibbia prison which is located in a run-down area on Rome's outskirts.

Pope Francis, on wheelchair, washes and kisses feet of female prisoners in ritual ahead of Easter

Pope Francis, who is still battling a cold, limited his speaking during a weekly audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday. Instead, he opted to have an aide read his prepared text.

Pope Francis, battling flu, struggles to sit in Popemobile, limits speech at gathering

Pope Francis returned to his duties on Saturday after taking a day off due to a fever. The 86-year-old pontiff, who was hospitalised for bronchitis about two months ago, had a busy schedule of private audiences planned for the day, said the Vatican.

Pope Francis returns to duties following day off due to fever and exhaustion