Francis pays tribute to ‘miracle of tenderness’ after doctors report slight improvement in his condition

Pope Francis has issued a message from his hospital bed thanking medical staff and volunteers for the “miracle of tenderness” that they offer the sick, as he continues his recovery from pneumonia.

After more than three weeks in hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff is responding well to treatment and has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days, doctors said.