Pope Francis continues to be hospitalized due to pneumonia, with reports suggesting slight improvements, although it is considered too early to anticipate his return home.

A Vatican source reported on Monday that the 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing multiple breathing crises, the latest of which occurred a week ago.

Doctors have described his condition as 'stable,' with updates over the weekend indicating 'slight improvements... in an overall complex scenario.'

The Vatican confirmed that the pope had a restful night in his hospital suite and is receiving physical and respiratory therapy.

As has been customary in previous mornings, he transitioned overnight from an oxygen mask to a cannula for high-flow oxygen delivery.

Despite his health issues, Pope Francis has remained engaged with his duties, staying informed about current events, including the recent catastrophic floods affecting his homeland of Argentina.

The Vatican emphasized his solidarity with the victims in Bahia Blanca, where 16 lives have been lost.

Francis has dealt with ongoing health concerns before, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation earlier this year.

Nevertheless, this hospitalization represents the most serious and extended health crisis of his papacy.

During earlier hospital visits, he has appeared on a balcony for his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer; however, he missed this ritual for the fourth consecutive Sunday.

Instead, he released a written prayer expressing gratitude towards his medical team for their care during his extended stay.

In his message, he expressed thanks for the 'thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care' from healthcare professionals.

Although he has not made a public appearance since his admission, Francis shared a recorded audio message last Thursday, thanking supporters for their prayers, which many interpreted as a hopeful sign regarding his recovery.

The Vatican has been diligent in providing near-daily medical updates on the pope’s health, highlighting gradual improvements along with occasional setbacks.

A new medical bulletin regarding his condition is expected later on Monday.

While he currently does not show a fever, the medical team is looking for more positive signs in the coming days before giving a more concrete prognosis.

In a show of support, Catholics have gathered outside the Gemelli hospital, leaving flowers, candles, and cards, with some choosing to pray together.

Over the weekend, around 180 people from dioceses near Milan, mostly young individuals, gathered in front of the hospital to pray.

One local priest remarked on the importance of this gathering, recognizing it as a gesture of solidarity and unity even in the absence of direct contact with the pope.