Doctors at Gemelli Hospital said Francis has shown signs of improvement in recent days, with blood tests confirming a positive response to treatment. Although he remains on supplemental oxygen during the day and uses a ventilation mask at night, his condition is stable, according to a Vatican statement released Tuesday.

With Pope Francis entering his fourth week in hospital, those working in the Apostolic Palace are grappling with the continuing uncertainty over the pope’s health. The same is true for everyone in the Vatican.