Pope Francis thanks well-wishers and prays ‘above all for peace’ amid pneumonia battle - Pope Francis, 88, is said to be in a stable condition amid battle with double pneumonia

The election of a new pope is a complex process involving hundreds of cardinals that can stretch up to weeks on end. But the general public seems to have found its own way to show support for their pontiffs of choice.

As Pope Francis has battled double pneumonia in hospital for nearly three weeks, talk of the 88-year-old pontiff's death or resignation has become almost commonplace. Some newspapers have published articles informing their readers about what to expect during the papal funeral.

Pope Francis, who suffered two respiratory crises on Monday as he battles double pneumonia, has stabilised and no longer needs to use mechanical ventilation for help breathing, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

The pope, 88, suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday. ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis "slept all night" following Monday's medical intervention amid two episodes of "acute respiratory failure,