Pope Francis improving as Vatican eyes Sunday appearance

Pope Francis is showing signs of recovery from life-threatening pneumonia, with the Vatican confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff is making “slight improvements” in his health.

His doctors have reported improvements in his breathing, motor skills, and voice, which was affected by pneumonia in both of his lungs.

After spending five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Pope was discharged on March 23 and has been continuing his recovery at the Vatican.

Despite the prognosis that he will need at least two months of convalescence, the Vatican has indicated that Pope Francis may make an appearance this weekend for the Angelus prayer.

In a slight shift from previous Sundays, this weekend’s Angelus could be held differently, with more details to be provided on Saturday.

Blood tests have shown slight improvements in the infection, and the Pope’s use of oxygen has been gradually decreasing.

Although Pope Francis has not been seen in public much since his hospitalization in February, he has been keeping up with his work and attending some events via videolink.

He participated in a sermon on Friday and a mass on Wednesday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

The Vatican also mentioned that it is still too early to confirm his participation in the upcoming Easter events, which occur on April 20 this year.