With Pope Francis entering his fourth week in hospital, those working in the Apostolic Palace are grappling with the continuing uncertainty over the pope’s health. The same is true for everyone in the Vatican.

Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian polyglot who entered the seminary at just 14, is currently pitted as favourite to replace Francis as the pope is still in hospital.

Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his hospital treatment for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis had a quiet night and was resting Monday morning, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 as he recovers from bilateral pneumonia. He continues to govern the Catholic Church and participate in Vatican activities,

"The night was quiet, the pope was resting," the Holy See, the Vatican's press office, said in a brief statement on Sunday morning.