Ailing Pope Francis works on signature reform from hospital as he recovers

Pope Francis is continuing his papacy as evidence of his recovery is still positive, just after entering his fifth week of hospitalization for double pneumonia.

The Vatican announced on Saturday that Francis is still in stable condition, “confirming the progress” the 88-year-old pontiff has made in the previous week.

According to a statement from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, the pope is also cutting down on his use of mechanical ventilation at night to facilitate his breathing.

Francis’ condition has continued to be complicated as a result of doctors’ statements this week that he is no longer in critical, life-threatening condition. He also hasn’t been able to move or breathe as a young man because of his age, lack of mobility, and the loss of a lung.

A roller-coaster of setbacks followed during his first three weeks of hospitalization, including severe coughing fits, mild kidney failure, and respiratory crises.

Francis has, however, carried on his work. A reform project that aims to improve the Roman Catholic Church’s hostility and responsiveness has been approved by him for a three-year implementation and evaluation process. The Synod of Bishops’ schedule was made available by the Vatican’s Office of the Synod of Bishops through 2028, according to Francis’ announcement last week.

The pope also participated in Lenten spiritual exercises at the hospital this week, which Vatican officials claimed suggested a lessening workload. On Thursday, the 12th anniversary of his papacy, he received a cake and hundreds of messages wishing him well.

The pope’s only public appearance since his hospitalization was a recorded audio message in which he thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a labored, weak voice. The rosary was recited in St. Peter’s Square for the faithful who had gathered each night.