Ragona, 42, who works for the commercial Mediaset television network, was the first major casualty among the hundreds of stressed out journalists who have been following around the clock the progress of doctors fighting to save the life of the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff. Reporters attending the 42nd briefing on the health of Francis Sunday sine he was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic hospital fought to stay awake as the Vatican said the leader of the Roman Catholic Church had slept well following the first cautiously optimistic bulletin by doctors was issued Saturday evening, even though the medical team said that their prognosis remained guarded.

 For a fourth week running the text of Francis' weekly Angelus address was released as a Vatican press statement rather than being read by him. 

 "A number of indicators say that there has been an improvement," in the pope's health, a well-placed Vatican source said. Physiotherapy is continuing to help the pontiff improve his breathing as doctors treat him for double pneumonia while he has been receiving oxygen through a mask at night and through a nasal tube by day.

 "Together let us continue to invoke the gift of peace, in particular in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo," the pope's Angelus address said.

 "In particular, I have learned with concern of the resumption of violence in some areas of Syria: I hope that they cease definitively, with full respect for all ethnic and religious components of society, especially civilians. I entrust you all to the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary. Happy Sunday, and arrivederci!"

 jp