On February 28th, he required non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

Pope Francis was in good condition during his 17th night in the hospital, the Vatican said.

The Argentine head of the Catholic Church was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14th  with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia.

"The Pope was able to rest well throughout the night," the Holy See said.

On Feb. 28th, the 88-year-old pope required non-invasive mechanical ventilation. He is still receiving oxygen therapy.

The pontiff has no fever. On March 2nd, he alternated rest with prayer. Francis has also met Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, and Edgar Peña Parra, a Venezuelan archbishop who is also a senior Vatican official. | BGNES, AFP