Pope Francis rested well last night, the Vatican announced today in an update on his condition, SIR (Religious Service) reported.
The Holy Father, who was admitted to the capital's Gemelli hospital in mid-February and is battling bilateral pneumonia, suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" yesterday.
These episodes of respiratory failure required the Pope to be assisted by non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican announced.
"The Pope slept all night and continues to rest," the Vatican said in a statement. A full update on the Holy Father's condition is expected to be released tonight, Reuters reported.
The 88-year-old Francis has not appeared in public since being admitted to hospital. It is his longest absence since he became pope in March 2013. His doctors have not said how long his treatment is expected to last.