Pope Francis’s condition is improving and doctors no longer fear for his life, the Vatican says. The 88-year-old could even leave hospital within days, the Holy See adds. The leader of the world’s Catholics was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which became pneumonia in both lungs. He has not been seen in person since he was admitted, though he released a breathless audio message on Thursday thanking people for their prayers. The pope has suffered a series of health issues in recent years, from colon surgery in 2021 to a hernia operation in 2023, but this is the longest and most serious stay in hospital of his papacy. He switched from the oxygen mask he uses nightly to a cannula — a plastic tube tucking into the nostrils — which delivers high-flow oxygen, it said. He also followed prayers and meditations being held Monday at the Vatican via video link, though while he could see participants, they could not see the pope.