Pope Francis ‘rested well’ overnight – Vatican

The Vatican has stated on Wednesday that Pope Francis, who is in the hospital with pneumonia, slept well overnight despite wearing an oxygen mask. However, his absence at the beginning of the Lent religious season raised concerns about the 88-year-old’s health.

Since being admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14 due to breathing issues, Francis has experienced concerning respiratory bouts.

A Vatican medical bulletin issued in the morning stated that the pope slept comfortably during the night.

Usually leading the main service at 1600 GMT, Ash Wednesday celebrations mark the beginning of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter when Christ fasted in the desert.

Italian Cardinal Angelo de Donatis will preside over the mass, which will be preceded by a procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill.

Francis has not been seen in public for almost three weeks due to his health condition.