Pope Francis spent Saturday in the hospital, continuing his recovery from double pneumonia while the Vatican’s Holy Year events continued as scheduled.
“The Pope rested well overnight,” the Vatican announced Saturday morning.
Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s hospital on February 14, three weeks ago, after his bronchitis worsened over the course of a week. Doctors initially identified a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
His condition has stabilized after experiencing acute respiratory issues.
The Vatican is continuing its Jubilee celebrations, the Holy Year held every 25 years, which is drawing pilgrims to Rome from across the globe. This weekend’s focus is on celebrating volunteers, many of whom are extending their pilgrimages to offer prayers for Pope Francis outside the hospital.
Cardinal Michael Czerny of Canada is scheduled to lead the on Sunday for the volunteers.
On Friday, Pope Francis spent 20 minutes in the Gemelli hospital chapel in prayer and attended to some work, interspersed with periods of rest, respiratory exercises, and physical therapy, according to the Vatican.
The Pope is receiving supplemental oxygen at high flow rates during the day to aid his breathing, and he uses a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night.
Earlier in the week, Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease and had a portion of one lung removed earlier in life, experienced acute respiratory failure and underwent bronchoscopies to remove mucus from his lungs.