The Vatican press office on Saturday described “a good response to therapy” and a “gradual, slight improvement” since the pope’s episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday.

Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his hospital treatment for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis had a quiet night and was resting Monday morning, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 as he recovers from bilateral pneumonia. He continues to govern the Catholic Church and participate in Vatican activities,

"The night was quiet, the pope was resting," the Holy See, the Vatican's press office, said in a brief statement on Sunday morning.