Pope Francis is participating in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat from a Rome hospital as he continued his recovery on Monday from double pneumonia and looks ahead to the 12th anniversary of his election amid questions about what the future of his papacy might look like.

Pope Francis was resting on Thursday after a peaceful night during his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican said. The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery.

Pope Francis is resting after sleeping through the night with a ventilation mask as he undergoes hospital treatment for double pneumonia.

Pope Francis, 88, has been in a Rome hospital for 3 weeks, but he was well enough as he recovers from pneumonia to record a first message for his supporters.

As Christians around the world mark the start of the season of Lent at Ash Wednesday services, the pope is taking part in associated traditions in his hospital room. Pope Francis had ashes imposed on his forehead at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital by another Catholic leader and also received the Eucharist,

Pope Francis skips this year’s services as he remains in hospital - Pope Francis is unable to take part in Ash Wednesday celebrations this year

Pope Francis’ condition remained stable on Wednesday (March 5), according to a Vatican statement relaying his doctors’ reports. As Francis is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome,

The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter without the pope’s participation. A cardinal took his place leading a short penitential procession between two churches on ...