Pope Francis remains so stable without respiratory crises that the Vatican's next update on his health will not come until Saturday.

St Peter's Square is bustling, but behind the Vatican's walls, activities have slowed as the Catholic Church grapples with the uncertainty caused by the absence of Pope Francis. In the press room just off St Peter's Square,

"The night passed quietly, the pope is still resting," the Vatican said Thursday as there's still no update on when he will be released from hospital.