Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital since February 14 for treatment of double pneumonia, had a tranquil night and is now resting, the Vatican press office announced on Wednesday.  

The brief statement did not provide further details, with a health update expected in the evening.  

On Tuesday evening, the Vatican’s update on Pope Francis’ condition said: “The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains critical but stable. There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and his hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable.”  

“In the evening, he underwent a scheduled CT scan to monitor the progression of bilateral pneumonia. The prognosis remains cautious.”  

“In the morning, after receiving the Eucharist, he resumed his work activities.”  

According to Vatican News, the 88-year-old Pope met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute for General Affairs, on Tuesday. He also authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate various decrees concerning individuals on the path to sainthood.  

Pope Francis recognized the “offering of life” of Servants of God Fr. Emil Joseph Kapaun, a United States Army chaplain who served during World War II and the Korean War, and Italian layman Salvo D’Acquisto.  

The “offering of life” is a category introduced by Pope Francis in 2017 for beatification and canonization. It recognizes Christians who, by closely following the teachings of Jesus Christ, voluntarily and freely offered their lives for others and remained steadfast in this commitment until death.  

Additionally, the Pope acknowledged the heroic virtues of two diocesan priests and a layperson. He also made several appointments within the Vatican administration.  

Pope Francis was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after suffering from bronchitis. He is currently being treated for double pneumonia. A health update last week also noted signs of mild renal insufficiency, which appears to be under control.  

A statement on Monday evening indicated that, despite the severity of his condition, the Pope had shown slight improvement.  

“No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred on Monday, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with a slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.”  

Doctors remain “cautious” in their prognosis, given the complexity of the Pope’s clinical condition.  

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