Pope Francis Health Update: Vatican Issues Thursday Morning Statement

Pope Francis had a good night in hospital in Rome, the Vatican said on Thursday morning, where he is being treated for pneumonia. “The night passed quietly; the pope is still resting,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement.

This is the pope’s third week of hospital treatment for bilateral pneumonia. He was first hospitalized on February 14 and is at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

The 88-year-old has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving oxygen with a nasal tube during the day.

Pope Francis, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been stable for two days after suffering two respiratory crises Monday.

Doctors underlined that his prognosis remained guarded due to the complex picture.

The pope on Wednesday marked the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead and by calling the parish priest in Gaza, the Vatican said. He also added physical therapy to his hospital routine of respiratory therapy.

The Vatican said in its statement that “the Holy Father participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. He then received the Eucharist.

“Afterwards, he engaged in several work activities. During the morning, he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza.

“In the afternoon, he alternated between rest and work.”

This is a developing story and more information will be added shortly.

This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.