Pope Francis was "resting" Thursday after a peaceful night, the Vatican said as the 88-year-old nears three weeks in hospital with pneumonia. On Thursday morning, the Holy See issued a typically brief statement saying "the night passed peacefully" and the pope was resting.

Pope Francis, who has been struggling to overcome double pneumonia for almost three weeks, remained in stable condition throughout the day on Wednesday and has not had any new breathing crises, the Vatican said.

Francis remained in stable condition, with a guarded prognosis, meaning he was not out of danger, the Vatican said.