Sunday Prayer Cancelled For Fourth Time As Pope Lies In Hospital

ROME, March 9 (Bernama-dpa) -- The Vatican has cancelled the traditional Sunday prayer on St Peter's Square for the fourth time in a row as Pope Francis lies ill in hospital with severe pneumonia, reported German news agency (dpa). 

Francis had spent a "quiet" night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital and was resting, the Vatican said.

Late on Saturday, the Holy See reported "gradual improvement" in the 88-year-old's condition.

"The Holy Father's clinical condition has remained stable over recent days and is thus showing a good response to the therapy," it said. Francis did not have a fever, it added. The next bulletin is expected on Monday evening.

The pope's health has suffered a number of setbacks since he was admitted to the Gemelli on Feb 14 for what was initially reported to be a case of bronchitis.

Double pneumonia was later diagnosed and he has repeatedly been put on a ventilation machine.

Francis is now the second-oldest pope in history. Thursday marks the 12th anniversary since he was elected to succeed Benedict XVI, who resigned at the age of 85 but lived to be 95.

-- BERNAMA-dpa