Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, slept well overnight and is resting, the Vatican said in a brief statement on Thursday. The Vatican gave a largely upbeat assessment of his health on Wednesday evening,

The health of Pope Francis remains unclear as the faithful have gathered in St. Peter’s Square nightly to pray for his recovery. The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized almost two weeks ago, suffering from double pneumonia and mild renal insufficiency.

Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow time for mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.