Pope Francis’s health has shown significant improvement, raising hopes for an early discharge from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for pneumonia.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Concerns over his health escalated on March 3 when he suffered breathing difficulties, sparking global anxiety over his condition.

However, the Vatican announced on Monday that the pope’s prognosis was no longer "reserved," indicating that doctors are now more optimistic about his recovery. "The clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to be stable," the Holy See said in a statement.

"The improvements recorded in the previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by blood tests and clinical objectivity and the good response to pharmacological therapy," it added.

Doctors have advised continued treatment at the hospital for a few more days, given the severity of the infection at the time of his admission.

Cautious optimism

Despite the progress, Vatican officials have remained cautious about predicting his return to Santa Marta, the guesthouse where he resides within Vatican City.

"The clinical picture remains complex, even if there is no imminent danger to his life," a Vatican source said.

The pontiff has been undergoing physical and respiratory therapy and continues to rely on oxygen support. He has been alternating between an oxygen mask at night and a high-flow oxygen cannula during the day, the Vatican reported.

Even from his hospital bed, Pope Francis has remained engaged with global affairs, keeping up with news, including the recent deadly floods in Argentina. He also followed Vatican prayers and meditations via video link, though he remained unseen by participants.

Prayers from across the world

The Pope’s illness has prompted prayers from Catholics worldwide, with vigils held in places as far as Iraq and Myanmar.

"I feel saddened like he is my own father since he has been sick," said Francis Than Htun, auxiliary bishop of Yangon, during a special service in Myanmar’s largest city.

Pope Francis has battled multiple health issues in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. His current hospitalisation, however, has been the longest and most serious of his papacy.

Unlike previous stays, he has not appeared on the Gemelli hospital balcony for his weekly Angelus prayer, missing it for four consecutive Sundays. Instead, he issued a written message last Sunday, thanking his doctors and expressing gratitude for their "tenderness of care".