Pope Francis remains under treatment for a “polymicrobial” respiratory infection at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Nicknamed “Vatican III” by John Paul II, this medical complex has been welcoming ailing popes since the 20th century in what resembles a “small city.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a new update after confirming late Wednesday that new blood tests showed a “slight improvement” in some inflammation indices for the 88-year-old pontiff, who had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023 and is prone to respiratory infections in winter.

Pope Francis marked a week in hospital with pneumonia Friday, as speculation grew over the 88-year-old’s ability to continue leading the Catholic Church. Francis, admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital with breathing difficulties,