Vatican: Pope Well-Rested After Respiratory Failure

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis woke up well-rested Wednesday morning after spending the night on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old Pontiff has been hospitalized since mid-February for pneumonia, and after two episodes of respiratory failure Monday, he began using an oxygen mask and ventilator but has since switched to high-flow oxygen therapy.

While he continues to alternate prayer and rest, he will miss Ash Wednesday mass.

Vatican officials say his condition remains complex, and doctors remain cautious.