Alfie Evans: Pope Francis tweets support for toddler at centre of life-support battle

The Pope has sent a message of support for a seriously ill toddler whose parents lost a legal fight to stop his life support machine being switched off.

Alfie Evans has an undiagnosed neurological condition and is in a "semi-vegetative state" in the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Pope Francis said he hoped "everything necessary" may be done to "continue compassionately accompanying little Alfie Evans".

Last month the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rejected the case of his parents Tom Evans and Kate James, as they appealed a legal ruling allowing doctors to withdraw life-support.

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The couple wanted to take the 22-month-old to Rome for treatment.

Medics argued this would not be in his best interests - which was upheld by the High Court and the Supreme Court.

Both ruled that Alfie should only receive palliative care.