Pope Francis has spent another night in hospital without new complications, according to an announcement from the Holy See on Thursday. "The night passed quietly; the Pope is still resting," the statement said.

The Vatican has released an update on the state of health of Pope Francis, who has been battling respiratory issues in the hospital. The statement stirred prayers.

On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality. It is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season.