Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a brief statement confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff rested well.

“The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” Bruni said, without providing further details on whether the pope was awake or had resumed eating.

Francis remains in critical condition as he recovers from a complicated lung infection that led to the severe respiratory episode on Saturday morning.

Medical sources at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the pope has been receiving treatment since February 14, told several international news outlets that the crisis was prolonged and required intensive medical intervention, including oxygen therapy to assist his breathing.

The pope also underwent blood transfusions due to a significant drop in platelet levels, a condition that can be caused by infections or medication side effects.

Despite the gravity of his condition, the Vatican reported that Francis was alert and spent much of Saturday sitting in an armchair, though experiencing increased pain. Doctors have classified his prognosis as “reserved,” meaning that while he remains stable, the situation remains uncertain given his advanced age and history of lung disease.

Medical experts warn that the primary risk facing Pope Francis is the potential onset of sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.

So far, tests indicate no signs of sepsis, and the pope has been responding to the medications administered for his condition.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, emphasized the precarious nature of the pope’s health. “Sepsis, combined with his respiratory difficulties and age, would pose a significant challenge,” he stated during a press briefing.

Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been prone to respiratory illnesses and bronchitis, particularly in winter months. The Vatican confirmed that he has been under a regimen of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen to manage his condition.

No plans for resignation

As speculation grows over the possibility of Pope Francis stepping down due to his deteriorating health, Vatican officials have firmly denied any discussions of resignation. The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, dismissed such speculation as “unfounded” and emphasized that the primary concern is the pope’s recovery.

“There is no movement toward resignation, nor have I heard anything suggesting such discussions,” Parolin told Corriere della Sera in an interview. He also dismissed recent reports that Vatican officials had secretly met with the pope in the hospital to discuss his potential departure.

Francis has previously stated that he has written a letter of resignation to be used in case he becomes medically incapacitated. However, he has also asserted that he views the papacy as a lifelong mission and has no immediate plans to step aside.

Meanwhile, Vatican events marking the Holy Year of 2025 continue without the pope’s direct participation. This weekend, the Vatican was set to celebrate deacons, a key ministry within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis had planned to preside over the event but was forced to withdraw due to his health.

Candles are laid at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized in Rome on February 22, 2025.