Vatican: Pope Francis Medical Condition Slightly Improvement

On Friday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis, who is recovering at the Vatican after spending more than five weeks in the hospital due to a severe case of pneumonia, has shown "slight improvement" in recent days, particularly in his ability to speak.

The Vatican's press office told journalists that the 88-year-old pope "continues physical and respiratory therapy, and his condition is improving, including his ability to speak."

The Vatican's press office also confirmed that the pope no longer heavily relies on high-flow oxygen. He still uses it for part of the night but receives oxygen at a normal flow rate during the day.

The pope has not received any visitors this week except for "his closest aides" and remains "in good spirits."

He continues to participate in daily Mass at his residence in Santa Marta within the Vatican, according to the press office.

The pope was also informed about the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday and is praying for the victims.

After spending 38 days in the hospital receiving treatment for a lung infection—during which he nearly died twice—he is required to undergo a two-month recovery period, during which his public engagements will be limited.