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Ash Wednesday marks start of Lent for Christian faithful
Orthodox Christians round the world have marked the start of the 40 day Lenten period with the Ash Wednesday ceremony today.
Pope Francis rested well overnight in hospital, Vatican says
Reuters
Pope Francis, who has been struggling to overcome double pneumonia for almost three weeks, had a restful night in hospital, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.
The Vatican said on Tuesday that Francis would be reconnected to non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight to help him breathe, underscoring his continued difficulty in shaking off the dangerous illness.
"The pope rested well during the night," the Vatican said on Wednesday, adding only that he had woken up shortly after 8:00 a.m. (07:00 GMT). The pontiff normally starts his day well before dawn when he is healthy.
Francis suffered what the Vatican described as two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday. Tuesday's health bulletin was more upbeat, saying the pope was stable throughout the day and did not have any new breathing crises.
However, his doctors reiterated again that his prognosis was "guarded," meaning he was not yet out of danger.
The pope has not been seen in public since entering hospital, his longest such absence since his papacy started 12 years ago. His doctors have not said how long his treatment might last.
22:45
Pope
Pope resting, back on ventilation after respiratory problems
Pope Francis is reported to have rested well overnight at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after suffering a setback in his battle with double pneumonia.
22:28
Pope Francis' Health
Pope Francis suffers new breathing crises, is back on noninvasive ventilation, Vatican says
Pope Francis had inhaled “copious” amounts of mucus in another setback in what has become a more than two-week battle to overcome a complex respiratory infection and pneumonia.
22:23
Pope Francis no longer needs ventilation, Vatican says
Pope Francis remains in stable condition as he recovers from double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Sunday. The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized since February 14, no longer requires mechanical ventilation but continues to receive oxygen therapy.
06:29
Pope Francis placed on ventilation after respiratory episode
Pope Francis' respiratory condition worsened after a bronchospasm on Friday, prompting non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The Vatican says the Pontiff remains alert and responsive to treatment.
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