Francis has been critically ill with double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis since being admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14. However, the worst seems to be oevr, as the 88-year-old is said to be in better condition than in February when he experienced another respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion.

Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis is said to be in stable enough condition that the Vatican doesn't plan to issue a new health update until Saturday. It's been three weeks since he was hospitalized with double pneumonia,