After a week in the hospital due to pneumonia, Pope Francis is showing positive signs of recovery. Vatican News reports that the pontiff's fever has subsided, his blood work remains stable, and he's now alert enough to rise from bed for breakfast. Following his meal, the Pope reportedly spent time reading newspapers and engaging in some light work after receiving communion.

A candle featuring a portrait of Pope Francis placed near a statue of Pope John Paul II at Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is currently receiving care. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

The 88-year-old Pope was initially admitted on February 14th for bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. He continues his treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday explaining that the complexity of his treatment stems from a polymicrobial infection occurring alongside bronchiectasis and asthmatiforme bronchitis, requiring a combination of antibiotics and cortisone therapy.

Pope Francis delivering his homily during the weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City on February 12, 2025. (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Pope on Wednesday and described him as "alert and responsive," per Vatican News. She also noted the Pope's good spirits and his characteristic sense of humor.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni greeting Pope Francis at the G7 Summit in Savelletri, Italy, on June 14, 2024. (Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS)

Pope Francis has a history of respiratory problems, having undergone surgery at age 21 to remove part of a lung affected by pleurisy. He also experienced two falls in December and January, the latter requiring him to wear a sling as a precautionary measure.