Pope has another good night at hospital: Vatican

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Pope Francis had another good night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Thursday.

"The night passed quietly; the Pope is still resting," the Vatican said in a brief statement.

On Wednesday evening, the Vatican press office said the pontiff's clinical condition remained stable, without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.

"As planned, he utilized supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight," the statement added.

The Vatican also noted that Pope Francis was still working on Wednesday and "participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes."

The 88-year-old pontiff has been at Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14.

He was elected as Pope Benedict XVI's successor at the age of 76 on March 13, 2013, and took the name Francis.

- A string of health issues

This is the latest in a series of health challenges the pontiff has faced in recent years.

In 2022, he canceled planned trips to Africa due to knee problems, which have left him walking with a cane or using a wheelchair.

In March 2023, he was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection. A few months later, he underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.

Earlier this year, the Vatican reported that the Pope fell at his home, slightly injuring his right arm.

However, the pontiff, born in Argentina in 1936, has struggled with health issues for much of his life.

At age 21, he had part of his lung removed due to life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts. He has said the ordeal inspired him to join the Jesuits.