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Roman Catholic Pope Francis is making slight but encouraging progress in his health battle, with the Vatican reporting that he is now eating solid foods. The Holy Press Office announced on Monday that the pope remains stable and continues treatments, which include nighttime non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen nasal cannulas during the day.

In a Sunday update, the Vatican shared that Pope Francis has been adhering to his therapy and prescribed diet. Alongside eating solid foods, he’s also undergoing respiratory and motor physiotherapy. His condition is described as "stable, with slight gradual improvements," though doctors are maintaining a cautious outlook due to the overall complexity of his health situation.

Francis, 88, has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis escalated into double pneumonia. The Vatican clarified that his blood oxygen levels have remained good, and he has been fever-free, signaling a positive response to the prescribed treatments. This is the first time since his admission that doctors have explicitly reported such progress.

The pope’s ongoing recovery has meant his absence from public appearances, including his weekly Sunday blessing, for the fourth consecutive week. However, the Vatican’s day-to-day operations and its Holy Year celebrations continue uninterrupted. This weekend, the Jubilee’s theme focuses on volunteers, with many pilgrims extending their prayers and well-wishes for Francis outside the hospital.

Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny is stepping in to preside over the Holy Year Mass for volunteers in the pope’s stead. Meanwhile, the Vatican has urged patience and prayer as Francis navigates this health challenge, which is compounded by his chronic lung disease and a history of partial lung removal surgery.

Despite the challenges, the pope’s gradual improvement brings a glimmer of hope to the faithful worldwide. The Vatican has described his nights as "quiet," offering a small but comforting sign of stability.