Amid speculation over whether the Pope, who has in the past hinted at a possible resignation over heath issues, will stay on as leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said Francis could choose to step down.
Pope Francis, who has been in hospital with an infection in both lungs, has had a good night, the Vatican said - as a cardinal suggested the pontiff could resign.
Shortly after being elected pope in March 2013, Francis wrote a resignation letter in case medical issues stopped him from carrying out his duties, the Argentinian has previously confirmed.
In a brief update on his health, the Vatican said the 88-year-old got up and had breakfast following his seventh night at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he is being treated for double pneumonia.
The Pope has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, on top of a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory tract, meaning a combination of bacteria, viral and other organisms.
