Pope Francis is continuing his recovery from double pneumonia as the Vatican’s Holy Year is proceeding without him.

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday (Mar 8).

Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, has held his title for 12 years. What to know about the Jesuit.

Pope Francis is resting Thursday after a peaceful night during his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia

As Pope Francis has battled double pneumonia in hospital for nearly three weeks, talk of the 88-year-old pontiff's death or resignation has become almost commonplace. Some newspapers have published articles informing their readers about what to expect during the papal funeral.

Pope Francis had a good night in hospital in Rome, the Vatican said on Thursday morning, where he is being treated for pneumonia. "The night passed quietly; the pope is still resting," the Holy See Press Office said in a statement.

Pope Francis, who suffered two respiratory crises on Monday as he battles double pneumonia, has stabilised and no longer needs to use mechanical ventilation for help breathing, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Pope Francis was taken off mechanical ventilation and is stabilizing Tuesday following a pair of breathing crises, Vatican sources told Fox News.

Pope Francis was "resting" Thursday after spending a "peaceful night", as he nears three weeks in hospital with pneumonia, the Vatican said.