Pope Francis 'does not have pneumonia'

Pontiff is receiving antibiotics intravenously to treat a lung inflammation

In televised remarks on Sunday, Francis indicated he is going ahead with a three-day trip, beginning on December 1, to the United Arab Emirates. Picture: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Pope Francis is receiving antibiotics intravenously to treat a lung inflammation and will scale back some appointments - but he does not have pneumonia or fever, the Vatican said.

Francis himself revealed on Sunday that he was suffering from the inflammation problem, explaining why he did not keep his weekly window appointment to greet people in St Peter's Square.