The pope "rested well" and woke shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, his 20th day in hospital, as his condition remains stable and his prognosis remains reserved.

Pope Francis has increased his level of physical therapy and remains in stable condition, the Vatican said on Wednesday night.

Pope Francis, who has been struggling to overcome double pneumonia for almost three weeks, was taken off mechanical ventilation on Wednesday after using it through the night to help with his breathing,