Pope Francis "rested well throughout the night," the Vatican reports

Pope Francis, hospitalized for 18 days for a double pneumonia, "rested well all night," the Vatican reported Monday, hours after indicating that the 88-year-old Argentine Jesuit's health condition is "stable."

"The pope rested well throughout the night," reads the brief communiqué sent by the Holy See.

The spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics in the world has been admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14 for bronchitis, which resulted in bilateral pneumonia.

A respiratory crisis of "bronchospasm" set off alarms again on Friday, shortly after a Vatican source announced his release from "critical condition."

The latest medical report, released by the Holy See on Sunday night, reported that his condition is "stable" 48 hours after this relapse, but that his prognosis remains "reserved."

"There are, at least apparently for the moment, no further consequences with respect to last Friday's crisis," a Vatican source stressed, warning that the clinical picture remains "complex."

This hospitalization, the fourth and longest since 2021, raises concerns about previous problems that weakened Jorge Bergoglio's health in recent years: operations on his colon and abdomen, and difficulty walking.

The situation has also reopened questions about his ability to carry out his functions, especially since canon law makes no provision in case of a serious problem that could affect his lucidity.

The pontiff, who in recent times discarded the idea of resigning, has not made any public appearances since his admission to the hospital. On Sunday he gave "thanks" to the faithful for their prayers, in a message written on the occasion of the Angelus.