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Pope Francis is out of immediate danger and could be discharged soon, according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff has spent over three weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital battling pneumonia in both lungs. His condition sparked serious concerns after several respiratory crises, but after a week of steady improvement, the Holy See reported on Tuesday that he is in good spirits.
The Vatican said Francis prayed in the morning at the private chapel next to his hospital suite and has been remotely participating in spiritual exercises of prayer and meditation.
However, officials cautioned that his condition remains complex, and he will require several more days of hospital treatment. No exact discharge date was provided, and it is unclear if he will be able to participate in Easter celebrations, which culminate on April 20.
As pilgrims flock to Rome ahead of the 2025 Jubilee holy year celebrations, many have been praying nightly for his recovery, while special services have been held in churches worldwide.
On Thursday, Pope Francis will mark the 12th anniversary of his election as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Though he has not appeared in public since his hospital admission, he has continued working throughout his illness.
Despite his improving health, the longest and most serious hospitalization of his papacy has reignited questions about his future as leader of the Catholic Church.
