Pope Francis says authorities must respect Charlie Gard's parents' wish to care for him 'to the end'

Pope Francis has said that Charlie Gard's parents should be allowed to "accompany and care" for their child "to the end".

The 10-month-old was born in England with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, which causes progressive muscle weakness, brain damage and respiratory or liver failure; it is typically fatal.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said in a statement: "The Holy Father follows with affection and commotion the situation of Charlie Gard, and expresses his own closeness to his parents.

“He prays for them, wishing that their desire to accompany and care for their own child to the end will be respected.”