Pope Francis’s health is currently not in a critical state, according to a Vatican source on Friday, following recent improvements in his condition. The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia in both lungs and has spent the last two weeks receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. While his health has shown positive developments, the Vatican remains cautious, stating that his overall condition is still complex and his prognosis remains uncertain.

On Friday, officials confirmed that the Pope had another peaceful night at the hospital. His health initially raised serious concerns after he was admitted on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, which later progressed into pneumonia. However, the Vatican has reassured the public by releasing more hopeful updates in recent days. On Monday, they reported a “slight improvement,” followed by Tuesday’s statement that his condition was “critical but stable.” Since then, his health has steadily improved, with subsequent updates on Wednesday and Thursday affirming continued recovery.

Despite this progress, the Vatican has not changed its assessment of his prognosis as “reserved,” meaning doctors are refraining from making predictions about his recovery. Medical experts caution that, given his age and history of chronic respiratory issues, full recovery could take time. The Pope has been engaging in breathing exercises, interspersed with periods of rest and prayer, to aid his recovery.

This hospital stay marks the fourth of his papacy and is his longest yet. Over the years, Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges, including colon surgery, a hernia operation, and persistent knee and hip pain that have required him to use a wheelchair. His prolonged illness has fueled speculation about a potential resignation, especially given his busy schedule leading up to the Jubilee year celebrations.

Italian Vatican analyst Marco Politi suggested that if Francis recovers, he might continue his duties until after the Jubilee year but could then reconsider stepping down at age 89. The Pope has previously expressed openness to resigning, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 due to health reasons. However, before his hospitalisation, Francis had repeatedly stated that he did not yet see a need for resignation, and that moment may never come.