Pope Francis spent a quiet night in the hospital, the Vatican confirmed on Sunday, stating that the 88-year-old pontiff is responding well to treatment for pneumonia.

“The night was calm, the pope is resting,” the Vatican said in its morning update on the Argentine leader, who has been hospitalized in a special papal suite at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14.

While Francis has experienced multiple respiratory crises since his admission, none have occurred in recent days. The Vatican described his condition as “stable” and noted on Saturday that he was showing a “gradual, slight improvement.”

Health updates remain transparent

Francis, who had part of his lung removed in his youth, has been receiving care in a special papal suite at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14.

Although he remains fever-free, his doctors are awaiting consistent positive results “in the coming days” before making any prognosis, according to an evening medical bulletin.

The pope has faced several health challenges in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. However, this marks his longest and most serious hospitalization during his papacy.

During previous hospital stays at the Gemelli, Francis has appeared on a balcony for his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer. However, he has missed the last three and is expected to skip this Sunday’s as well. The Vatican press office announced that the Angelus would be delivered “in the same way” as in past weeks, when it was published as a written message at noon.