According to a Vatican statement, Pope Francis had a restful night, ate breakfast, read the newspaper, and was working from his hospital chamber in Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
After being admitted to the hospital with a respiratory infection, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis is “progressively improving.”
Spokesman Matteo Bruni said the 86-year-old, who had a lung removed as a child, slept well.
He worked from his Gemelli hospital room in Rome, ate breakfast, and read the papers.
“Before lunch, he went to the private apartment’s chapel, where he prayed and received the Eucharist,” Mr. Bruni explained.
In recent days, the pontiff had complained of difficulty breathing. On Wednesday, he went to the hospital for examinations, where he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection, but not COVID-19.
The Vatican announced that he would remain for a few days to receive treatment, and his public appearances were canceled until the weekend.
This weekend, Pope Francis will celebrate Palm Sunday before the observances of Holy Week at the Vatican: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday on April 9.
It is unclear how his medical condition will affect Holy Week observances at the Vatican.
In 2021, he stayed at the hospital for the final occasion. After surgery to rectify intestinal narrowing, he stayed there for 10 days.
Due to right knee ligament strain and a minor fracture, the pope has used a wheelchair for over a year. He reported that the injury is healing and has been using a cane more frequently recently.
