Pope Francis, currently receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection, spent a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Italian media reported on Sunday. Meanwhile, a senior cardinal led a prayer for the pontiff’s swift recovery.
The 88-year-old pope, who has been battling bronchitis for over a week, was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning. Due to his health condition, he will not make his customary public appearance for Sunday’s weekly prayer with pilgrims, as doctors have advised him to rest.
During a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca offered prayers for Francis’ health. “Our first thought goes to Pope Francis. We pray for his health, offering thanks for the vision and support that he always gives us,” the cardinal stated. The service was dedicated to honoring artists in the Catholic Church’s Holy Year, a role the pope had been expected to fulfill.
A Vatican statement released late Saturday confirmed that the pope had been “prescribed complete rest” to aid his recovery. His treatment regimen was adjusted slightly based on further microbiological tests, with results indicating some improvement in his condition.
Italian news agency ANSA reported that Francis watched part of the main evening news bulletin on Italy’s RAI TV at 8 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Saturday before resting peacefully through the night.
The Vatican has assured that the pope will remain in the hospital for as long as necessary to complete his treatment. Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Francis has faced multiple health challenges, including influenza and other ailments over the past two years.