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.