Pope Francis, who has been struggling to overcome double pneumonia for almost three weeks, had a restful night in hospital, the Vatican said on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis "rested well during the night and woke up shortly after 8:00 a.m.," according to the Holy See Press Office on Wednesday morning. The Pope, 88, is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

Pope Francis celebrated the start of the Lent religious season from his hospital suite on Wednesday, the 88-year-old's condition stable but still complex as he undergoes treatment for double pneumonia,