The Vatican announced that Pope Francis' health condition remains "stable" as he continues to respond well to treatment for pneumonia in the hospital.

The Vatican's press office stated that "the doctors confirmed that the situation remains the same as it was yesterday," adding that Pope Francis' health condition remains "stable" with "slight improvement amid a complex overall situation.

Earlier, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to his doctors and medical teams. However, he was unable for the fourth consecutive time to recite the Angelus prayer.

The 88-year-old pope, who has been receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, issued a written evangelistic prayer thanking those who volunteer to help others in need and praised their "proximity and tenderness.

He stated, "I also experience the care of service and the tenderness of care, especially from doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.

The text published by the Vatican read, "We need the miracle of tenderness that accompanies those going through trials and brings a little light to the night of pain.

The Vatican's morning bulletin today mentioned that the Pope had a peaceful night, following a confirmation that his condition is improving.

Pope Francis has not experienced the respiratory distress episodes he suffered since being admitted to the hospital in recent days.

There has been no public appearance of the Pope since he was admitted to the hospital about a month ago.

The Pope, head of the church followed by about 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, has faced increasing health problems in recent years. As a young man, he underwent surgery to remove part of one of his lungs.

His hospitalization for the fourth time since 2021 raises serious concerns, as he has suffered a long list of health issues in previous years, including colon and abdominal surgeries and difficulty walking.