Pope rests after peaceful night during third week in hospital

A man prays for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, where the pope is being treated. Picture: Andrew Medichini/AP

Pope Francis was resting on Thursday after a peaceful night during his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving oxygen with a nasal tube during the day.