Pope Francis, 88, is currently resting in hospital after spending a “peaceful night” as he continues to recover from pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope has been using an oxygen mask overnight for the third time. He was hospitalized on February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to breathing difficulties and is now battling pneumonia in both lungs.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis participated in a private Ash Wednesday blessing from his hospital suite, missing the public celebrations in Rome for the start of Lent. While he has not been seen in public since his hospitalization, he has continued to publish texts, and Christians worldwide, including those in his native Argentina, have been praying for his recovery.
The Vatican has not released new photos of the Pope, but his condition remains closely monitored.