Pope Francis had another "peaceful night" at Rome's Gemelli hospital and was resting on Wednesday morning as he continues to receive treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis was sitting in an armchair to receive therapy for his double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Wednesday, as thousands of prayers for his recovery pour in from around the world.

The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after struggling for several days with bronchitis. Over the weekend the Vatican said the Holy Father had suffered a respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion, with the Holy See on Sunday evening stating that Francis’ condition was “critical.”

WELLINGTON: There has been an outpouring of prayers across the Pacific for the Pope Francis. The head of the Catholic Church, 88, remains in critical condition battling pneumonia and mild signs of kidney failure. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 14 February after suffering from a respiratory infection for more than a week.

Although there's been a slight improvement and he "slept well all night," Pope Francis remains in critical condition at 88 years old.