Pope Francis is still hospitalized due to pneumonia, with reports suggesting he is showing slight signs of improvement; however, it is considered too early to talk about when he might return home.

As per a Vatican source on Monday, the 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after facing a series of breathing issues, the latest of which occurred a week ago.

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

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

As has been the case on previous mornings, he moved from a nightly oxygen mask to a cannula for high-flow oxygen delivery.

Despite his health difficulties, Pope Francis has remained engaged with his responsibilities, staying informed about the news, including a recent catastrophic flood that has impacted his home country of Argentina.

The Vatican has emphasized his solidarity with those affected in Bahia Blanca, where 16 lives have been lost.

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

However, this latest hospitalization represents the most extended and serious challenge of his papacy.

In past hospitalizations, he has appeared on a balcony to deliver his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer; nonetheless, he missed this customary event for the fourth consecutive time this Sunday.

Instead, he sent out a written prayer expressing gratitude to his medical team for their care during his extended time in the hospital.

In his message, he expressed appreciation for the 'thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care' provided by health care professionals.

Though he has not been seen publicly since his admission, Francis released a recorded audio message last Thursday, thanking supporters for their prayers, which some interpreted as a positive sign amid his recovery process.

The Vatican has been diligent in offering nearly daily medical updates on the pope's health, reporting gradual improvements alongside occasional setbacks.

A new medical bulletin on his status is expected later on Monday.

While he is not currently exhibiting fever, the medical team is looking for further positive signs in the coming days before offering a more definitive prognosis.

In a show of support, Catholics have been gathering outside the Gemelli hospital, leaving flowers, candles, and cards, while some have chosen to pray together.

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

One local priest commented on the importance of this event, recognizing the gesture of solidarity and unity even in the absence of direct contact with the pope.