Pope Francis' bronchitis improves at hospital, Vatican says

Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Pope Francis had a "restful night" in a hospital and his bronchitis was improve, the Vatican said Saturday.

Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office told journalists Francis, 88, "slept well" after being admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday.

Bruni said he had breakfast and read newspapers as he continues his pharmacological treatment and medical tests.

The pope's fever has not worsened, he said.

In an afternoon update, the Holy See Press Office went through modified treatment.

"The examinations carried out during the day confirm the respiratory tract infection," the office said. "The therapy has been slightly modified based on further microbiological findings. Today's laboratory tests show an improvement in some values."

Francis received the Eucharist, which is a ritual that involves sharing bread and wine to remember Jesus' death and resurrection, and "alternated moments of rest with prayer and reading," according to the Vatican.

On Friday morning, he held audiences at the Vatican before his hospitalization, including with the prime minister of Slovakia and with Mark Thompson, CNN's chief executive. During the meeting, the pope was mentally alert but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties, CNN reported.

Francis will not lead the Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Basilica though he has sent a prepared text for its publication.

The Jubilee of Hope audience scheduled for Saturday was canceled. The Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture on Sunday will be presided over by Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

The meeting with artists, originally planned for Monday at Cinecitta, will "not take place due to the Pope's inability to attend," the statement said.

The Vatican press office released a statement Feb. 6 noting that Francis was suffering from bronchitis and held his audience at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.

"The Holy Father has been informed of the many messages of closeness and affection received," the Vatican said. "He expresses his gratitude and asks for continued prayers for him."