Rome and London – Pope Francis rested overnight at the hospital, said the Vatican on Sunday.
“The night passed peacefully. The pope rested,” said the Holy See in a brief declaration.
Sunday morning, the 88 -year -old pontiff underwent another series of clinical tests, the Vatican sources of the Vatican sources told ABC News. A medical update was to be published later in the day.
Francis continued on Sunday to receive oxygen therapy to help his breathing, the sources said. On Saturday morning, Francis underwent an “prolonged” asthmatic respiratory crisis, during which the doctors provided him oxygen, said the Vatican.
A video journalist films the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, February 23, 2025, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14.
Gregorio Borgia / AP
The pontiff in a written prayer published on Sunday said that he “continued confidently” his hospitalization, adding that “rest is also part of therapy!”
“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they show me and the dedication with which they put their service among the patients,” he said.
The asthmatic respiratory crisis indicates that the Pope has struggled to maintain a sufficient oxygen level when he breathes alone, according to medical experts.
The Vatican said on Saturday that the Pope, who has run the Catholic Church since 2013, remained in critical condition.
Candles, flowers and a portrait of Pope Francis are placed at the statue of Jean-Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized in Rome on February 22, 2025.
Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images
The pope has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 after a fight with bronchitis.
It was diagnosed Tuesday with pneumonia, according to the Vatican.
Apart from his medical team and his safety, the Pope did not have visitors outside his nearest employees, sources said.
Ivan Pereira, ABC News, contributed to this report.
