The Vatican has set in motion nightly prayers for Pope Francis in the hope that he might recover and get back to leading the Catholic Church.
The health of Pope Francis remains unclear as the faithful have gathered in St. Peter’s Square nightly to pray for his recovery. The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized almost two weeks ago, suffering from double pneumonia and mild renal insufficiency.
Pope Francis, who is in critical condition in hospital battling double pneumonia, is alert, rested well throughout the night and is continuing his treatment, the Vatican said on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pope is spending his 12th day at Rome's Gemelli hospital,
Despite his hospitalization, the pope has maintained a degree of governance and authorized the appointment of four new bishops.
Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, remains in critical condition for the fourth day running but is stable and has not had any further respiratory crises, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital for two weeks, had an "isolated breathing crisis" on Friday and received "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" to help him breathe, the Vatican said in a statement.