Pope Francis continued today in a 'stable state' after two 'breathing crises' that he suffered in the hospital earlier this week.
The Pontiff, 88, will be put back tonight on a fan after having spent his armchair on Wednesday, the Vatican said.
He also participated in a blessing and received the Eucharist for Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar.
The pope is currently receiving treatment in the Gemelli hospital of Rome after the diagnosis of pneumonia in both lungs.
The fears for his health arose dramatically on Monday when he appeared, he suffered twice from acute respiratory failure.
In his daily update about the health of the pope, however, the Vatican said that he is now 'stable' and will spend the night with 'non-invasive mechanical ventilation'.
A spokesperson for the holy chair said: “The holy father also remained stable today, without episodes of respiratory insufficiency.
'As planned, he used additional, high-flow oxygenation and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will resume tonight.
Pope Franciscus (depicted on February 1) continued today in a 'stable state' after two 'breathing crises' that he suffered in the hospital earlier this week
Nuns pray for the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli University Hospital where Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital
Pope Franciscus meets Prime Minister Van Slovakia Robert Fico during a private audience in the Vatican on February 14
“The Holy Father raised his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy. He spent the day in his armchair.
'Given the complexity of the clinical situation, the prognosis remains monitored.
'This morning, in the private apartment on the 10th floor, the Holy Father participated in the ritual of the blessing of the Holy Axis, which were imposed on him by the Celebrant. He then received the Eucharist.
“Afterwards he was busy with various work activities. In the morning he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza.
“In the afternoon he alternated between peace and work.”
The 88-year-old has been treated since 14 February when he was admitted after struggling with respiratory difficulties.
Well Wishers around the world continue to pray for the health of the pope, where candles are also lit outside the hospital in Rome.
In the midst of his distressed health, many have speculated that Francis will give up the papacy before it is too late.
The sun undergoes St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on March 5, while Pope Francis is still being admitted to hospital with pneumonia
Nuns pray near the statue of the deceased Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis continues his treatment
People pray for the statue of John Paul II at the entrance of the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital
He revealed that he wrote a statement 12 years ago in the event that disease prevents him from performing his duties.
Francis wrote the letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the then State Secretary, who holds the second highest position in the Vatican.
Asked if there was a procedure in the event that he should resign, the leader of the Catholic Church once told the Spanish newspaper ABC that he had submitted a provision after his indictment in 2013.
Referring to Cardinal Bertone, he said: “I signed it and said,” If I have to be disabled for medical reasons or whatever, my resignation is here. Here you have it. “
He added that he expected his letter to have been passed on to the successor to Cardinal Bertone, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
'Now someone is coming to Bertone [and say] “Give me that piece of paper!” Said the pope joke during the interview.
