Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, 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 has reportedly increased his physical therapy, despite his outlook remaining "guarded," according to the Vatican. He apparently underwent high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive ventilation at night.

Pope Francis is alert after suffering two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday afternoon, the Vatican has said. Doctors were forced to intervene to clear mucus from the Pope's lungs, an update from the Holy See said,