Pope Francis “rested well” overnight at his Rome hospital and woke up just after 8 a.m., according to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican on Wednesday morning.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 with pneumonia affecting both lungs and ongoing breathing difficulties. While the Vatican provided no further details on his condition, concerns have grown over his prolonged hospital stay.
On Monday, Pope Francis experienced two episodes of respiratory failure, requiring an oxygen mask and a non-invasive ventilator to support his breathing. This marked the second time mechanical intervention was necessary, following a previous breathing crisis on Friday when he used a ventilator for two days. By Tuesday evening, the Vatican reported that he had transitioned back to high-flow oxygen therapy and was alternating between prayer and rest.
The pope has been unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the past three Sundays and is expected to miss the start of Lent, a key six-week observance leading up to Easter, which is typically marked by a procession and Mass.
His current hospitalization is the longest of his 12-year papacy. Initially treated for bronchitis, Pope Francis was later diagnosed with double pneumonia. He has battled lung-related health issues for much of his life, having had part of one lung removed in his youth.
The Holy See has consistently described his condition as “guarded” even when stable, indicating that while doctors are closely monitoring him, the pontiff is not yet out of danger.
