Pope Francis had ‘peaceful night’ in hospital, will skip Sunday noon blessing

Pope Francis Continues Recovery from Double Pneumonia

The Vatican confirmed early Sunday that Pope Francis is “still resting following a peaceful night” as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia. The Vatican said Saturday that Francis’ medical condition “remained stable with respiratory physiotherapy alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods supplemental high-flow oxygenation with a good response to gas exchange.”

Doctors reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no mention of him being critical, and signaled continued improvement. Their upbeat assessment came a day after a respiratory crisis that resulted in him being put on noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

Doctors were cautious, keeping his prognosis guarded, as he wasn’t out of danger. He was eating and drinking, continuing his respiratory physiotherapy, and spent 20 minutes in his private chapel down the hall on Saturday, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old pope had a “good response” in his gas exchange levels even during the “long periods” he was off the ventilator mask and only using high-flow supplemental oxygen, the Vatican added.

For the third weekend in a row, Francis canceled the appointment delivering the Angelus prayer at noon Sunday. The Vatican instead planned to distribute the prepared text as Francis continued his recovery.

The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has lung disease and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened and turned into a complex pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis’ hospitalization has coincided with the Vatican marking its Holy Year, drawing pilgrims to Rome from all over. They are walking through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and making pilgrimages to the hilltop Umbrian town of Assisi to pray at the home of St. Francis, the pope’s namesake.

Francis was supposed to have presided Saturday over a Holy Year audience in the Vatican’s auditorium for the staff of Gemelli Hospital and other healthcare workers. They came as planned and completed the pilgrimage while Francis continued his recovery at the hospital.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article provides an update on Pope Francis’ health as he continues to recover from double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed that he is stable and showing signs of improvement. Despite the cautious prognosis, the pope is responding well to treatment and is being closely monitored by medical professionals. We will continue to provide updates on his condition as more information becomes available.