Pope Francis’ overall clinical condition is “improving slightly” and his heart is working well as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican said Thursday, as some of his cardinals cheered him on and insisted that the Catholic Church was very much alive and well even in his absence.

Pope Francis, hospitalized for health issues, experienced a restful night and had breakfast the following morning, as reported by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. An official medical update regarding his condition is expected later in the day.