The Vatican says Pope Francis is stable and that he followed Mass on television after a second night sleeping well at the hospital

The statement also said the Holy Father “continues to be alert and well oriented” and is still receiving oxygen therapy “at high flows” through his nose.

Pope Francis remained in a critical condition Sunday and blood tests showed early kidney failure but he remains alert, responsive and attended Mass, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Sunday and blood tests showed early kidney failure but he remains alert, responsive and attended Mass, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

Pope Francis, who has spent the last two nights in hospital, apologised for missing a mass at the Vatican on Sunday, saying that he was still being treated for bronchitis and thanking his doctors for looking after him.

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope's Vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, on the occasion of a Mass for the health of Pope Francis at the Church of the

Valentina Fernandez poses for a picture holding an image of Pope Francis after a Mass to pray for his health at Constitution Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24,