Pope Francis, who is battling double pneumonia in hospital, had a "tranquil" night and rested, the Vatican said on Sunday. The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days and subsequently had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.

The 88-year-old pontiff suffered a “prolonged asthmatic crisis” and low platelets, the Vatican said, but was alert and sitting in an armchair.