Pope Francis Shows Recovery Progress While Advancing Church Reforms from Hospital

The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized for double pneumonia, continues treatment and signs off on a three-year reform plan extending his Synod initiative to 2028.

Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital, entering his fifth week of treatment for double pneumonia with gradual improvements in his condition.
Doctors report the pope is no longer in critical condition but emphasize the complexity of his recovery due to his age, past lung surgery, and limited mobility.
The Vatican has reduced the frequency of medical updates, citing steady progress, while the pope continues respiratory and physical therapy in the hospital.
From his hospital bed, Francis approved a three-year extension of his Synod reform process, focusing on inclusivity and Church governance, culminating in a 2028 assembly.
The pope has not appeared publicly since his hospitalization but has engaged in prayer, work, and lighter duties, including an audio message thanking well-wishers for their support.