Pope Francis was reported to be “resting” on Thursday after a “peaceful night” in the hospital, according to the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs since his hospitalisation on February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to breathing difficulties, used an oxygen mask overnight for the third time.
Although he missed the formal Ash Wednesday celebrations in Rome that marked the start of Lent, Pope Francis participated in a private blessing in a suite reserved for popes on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. Christians around the world, including many in his native Argentina, prayed for his speedy recovery as they observed Ash Wednesday.
The Vatican has not released any new photos of the pope since his hospitalisation, though he has published several texts. Francis remains the leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, and his condition continues to be closely monitored.
