Pope Francis "remained stationary" on Wednesday, "without showing any episodes of respiratory failure," but rested peacefully overnight into Thursday, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis, who has been in hospital for almost three weeks battling double pneumonia, is in stable condition and is doing some physical therapy, the Vatican said on Thursday. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis was "resting" Thursday after a peaceful night, the Vatican said as the 88-year-old nears three weeks in hospital with pneumonia. On Thursday morning, the Holy See issued a typically brief statement saying "the night passed peacefully" and the pope was resting.