The Catholic world was thrown into uncertainty earlier this month when Pope Francis was taken to hospital with a respiratory tract infection. Over the following days, the 88-year-old pontiff’s infection spiralled into pneumonia in both lungs and kidney failure.

Concerns over Pope Francis' health have mounted in recent years as have questions about his succession. Here's what we know.

The Vatican has issued a fresh statement on the health of Pope Francis, who has beenin hospita;.The terse statement gave an insight to his current state of health.