Pope Francis resting following a calm night

By Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office has reported that, "overnight was quiet and the Pope is resting." The message came on Sunday morning, 9 March, regarding Pope Francis, who has been receiving care at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since 14 February.

The Press Office also said Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, visited the hospital to see the Pope.

They updated him on certain situations in the Church and the world, along with other work-related activities.

A medical bulletin is not expected to be released on Sunday evening, given the stability of the clinical condition, though the Holy See Press Office will provide information to journalists.

Saturday evening update

Saturday evening's health update from the Holy See Press Office noted that "the Holy Father's clinical condition over the last few days has remained stable and, consequently, shows a good response to the therapies. There is therefore a gradual, mild improvement."

The statement also mentioned that the Pope has not had a fever, respiratory gas exchange has improved, and results from blood work are stable.

At the same time, "the doctors prudently maintain that the prognosis is still guarded," as they will continue to monitor these initial improvements over the coming days. 

On Sunday morning in Saint Peter's Square, Cardinal Michael Czerny read the Pope's homily prepared for the Mass for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteers being celebrated, while the Pope's midday Angelus address was distributed as on previous Sundays.

During the afternoon, the Pope will follow the spiritual exercises that will begin in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican to be in spiritual communion with the Roman Curia.