Pope Francis sitting upright in armchair, still in 'critical but stable' condition

Pope Francis was sitting upright in his armchair while undergoing therapy as he is still in critical condition, Vatican confirmed on Wednesday.

The Vatican anticipated sharing updates about his CT scan results from February 14, which would reveal the status of his complex lung infection.

The Vatican reported that the pope had a restful night and continued his therapy whilst seated. Although doctors indicated he wasn't completely safe, there hadn't been any respiratory complications since Saturday.

The College of Cardinals' dean was chosen to lead the prayer vigil at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday evening, highlighting a significant figure for potential future proceedings.

At the Argentine church in Rome on Tuesday evening, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope's vicar for Rome, led a special Mass for the faithful from Francis' native country.

The Rev. Fernando Laguna, the church's rector, expressed hope that the pope could sense their prayers from his hospital room at Gemelli.

"I can't go to Gemelli, because for him to recover he must be isolated," he said. "I know that I hug him and that he hugs me when I pray. And now I would like to embrace the pope."

Sister Nilda Trejo acknowledged the pope's ongoing health challenges, particularly with breathing and speaking loudly, prompting her constant prayers.

"We knew that he often found it difficult," she said. "In fact, you see that at the beginning of Mass, the microphone always has to be turned up because he has a bit of trouble. But he always spoke to the people. To the heart of the people."

In St. Peter's Square, people gathered for the nightly Rosary prayer, led by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who oversees the Vatican's office for church matters in developing nations.

The Vatican announced that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, would lead Wednesday evening's vigil. Francis had recently extended Re's term as dean, maintaining his crucial position.

The dean's role, as highlighted in the film "Conclave", includes overseeing papal funerals and organising papal elections.

Re served as prefect of the Vatican's congregation for bishops from 2000-2010. Francis appointed him dean in 2020 and reconfirmed his position in January despite his term ending.

Doctors reported Francis's condition as critical but stable, without new respiratory issues. Results from Tuesday's follow-up CT scan weren't released, and his outlook remained uncertain.

Despite hospitalisation, Francis continued his duties, making significant administrative decisions that demonstrated his ongoing involvement in essential matters.