Pope Francis shows improvement, may lead Sunday prayer

It seems that Pope Francis, who is recovering from severe pneumonia, is gradually getting better. The Holy See's press office reported that there has been a slight further improvement in Francis' condition, both in respiratory and motor functions, as well as in speech. Additionally, new blood tests showed a slight improvement in infection markers.

The Vatican suggested that this Sunday’s Angelus prayer might be different from usual. There is a possibility that Pope Francis will personally greet the faithful, which would be particularly significant, as on that day a mass will be celebrated in the Vatican for participants of the Jubilee for the Sick and Health Care Workers on the occasion of the Holy Year.

So far, every Sunday since the beginning of hospitalization on February 14, and subsequently, recovery in the Vatican starting March 23, a text of the pope's reflections has been published. The last time the pope appeared publicly was shortly before he left the Gemelli Polyclinic.

Pope Francis is continuing his pharmacological, motor, and respiratory therapy. He is in good spirits and continues to work. On Wednesday, he followed the mass in St. Peter's Basilica, celebrated on the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The Vatican emphasizes that it's too early to talk about details concerning the Holy Week and Easter celebrations. The pope has not received any visitors recently, but he remains in contact with the faithful through prayer and messages.

During a mass in St. Peter's Basilica for participants of the national pilgrimage from Slovakia, a message from the pope was read. He wrote, among other things: "I would have greatly wished to be present among you to share this moment of faith and communion."