ROME (AP) — Pope Francis woke up and was continuing his therapies Monday after a quiet night, on the 10th day of his hospitalization for a complex lung infection that has provoked the early stages of kidney insufficiency, the Vatican said.

Francis, 88, had remained in critical condition throughout the weekend after severe breathing difficulties were reported.

Pope Francis, 88, was resting Monday morning, his 10th day at the hospital for a complex lung infection that led to the early stages of kidney insufficiency.

As Pope Francis' health continues to be a global concern, his extended hospitalization may have an unforeseen, positive influence on some critical geopolitical tensions.

Pope Francis sent a message from his hospital bed as the Vatican said in a health update Sunday that he remains in "critical" condition but "has not presented any further respiratory crises." The big picture: The Vatican said in its Sunday statement that the 88-year-old Catholic church leader is being treated for a kidney problem in addition to his respiratory issues,

Pope Francis's ninth night in hospital was peaceful, the Vatican said Sunday, the day after revealing the 88-year-old was in a "critical" condition.