Pope has 'restful night' with clinical improvements: Vatican

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Pope Francis had a restful 15th night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia, the Vatican said Friday.

"As in recent days, the night passed calmly, and the Pope is now resting," said a brief Vatican statement.

On Thursday evening, the Vatican press office said that the pontiff's clinical condition continued to improve, though it remains "complex."

"He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask. Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis," it said.

Citing reports, the Vatican News said that Francis has passed the most critical phase, but his condition remains complex.

"For this reason, the prognosis remains guarded," according to the report.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been at Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and is being treated for double pneumonia.

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