Pope Francis remained in a ‘stable condition’ today following two ‘respiratory crises’ he suffered in hospital earlier this week.
The Pontiff, 88, will be put back on a ventilator tonight after spending Wednesday in his armchair, the Vatican has said.
He also participated in a blessing and received the Eucharist for Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar.
The Pope is currently receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both his lungs.
Fears for his health ignited dramatically on Monday when it emerged he twice suffered acute respiratory failure.
However in its daily update on the Pope’s health, the Vatican said he is now ‘stable’ and will spend the night on ‘non-invasive mechanical ventilation’.
A Holy See spokesperson said: ‘The Holy Father remained stable today as well, without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.
‘As planned, he utilized supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight.
Pope Francis (pictured on February 1) remained in a ‘stable condition’ today following two ‘respiratory crises’ he suffered in hospital earlier this week
Nuns pray in front of the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli University Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalised
Pope Francis meets Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico during a private audience at the Vatican on February 14
‘The Holy Father increased his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy. He spent the day in his armchair.
‘Given the complexity of the clinical situation, the prognosis remains guarded.
‘This morning, in the private apartment located on the 10th floor, the Holy Father participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. He then received the Eucharist.
‘Afterwards, he engaged in several work activities. During the morning, he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza.
‘In the afternoon, he alternated between rest and work.’
The 88-year-old has been undergoing treatment since February 14, when he was admitted after struggling with breathing difficulties.
Well-wishers across the globe have continued to pray for the health of the Pope, with candles also being lit outside the hospital in Rome.
Amid his ailing health, many have speculated that Francis will give up the Papacy before it’s too late.
The sun sets over St Peter’s basilica in The Vatican on March 5 as Pope Francis is still hospitalised with pneumonia
Nuns pray near the statue of late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis continues his treatment
People pray in front of the statue of John Paul II at the entrance to the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is hospitalised
He revealed he penned a statement 12 years ago in the event that illness prevents him from fulfilling his duties.
Francis wrote the letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the then Secretary of State, who holds the second highest position in the Vatican.
Asked whether there was a procedure in the event he would have to resign, the leader of the Catholic Church once told Spanish newspaper ABC he had made provision for his renunciation after taking office in 2013.
Referring to Cardinal Bertone, he said: ‘I signed it and said: “If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. Here you have it.”‘
He added that he expected his letter would have been passed on to Cardinal Bertone’s successor, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
‘Now someone will run up to Bertone [and say] “Give me that piece of paper!” the Pope said jokingly during the interview.