Pope Francis had a restful night, according to a statement published on Thursday, March 13 morning by the Holy See Press Office.
The statement reiterated that Pope Francis’ clinical situation remains stable, and with slight improvements, but “within a context that nevertheless remains complex”.
A chest X-ray performed on him on Tuesday, March 11 radiologically confirmed improvements observed in the previous days. The X-ray revealed that the Pope continues to undergo high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight.
After following the Spiritual Exercises in a link-up with the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican on Wednesday, the 88-year-old pontiff received the Eucharist, spent time praying, before continuing with physical therapy.
The Pope — the leader of the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics — has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 when he was admitted for a bout of bronchitis.
His prognosis is no longer guarded, but his doctors say he requires more time in the hospital.
Today marks the 12-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as Pope on March 13, 2013.
