Pope Francis is recovering from a chronic lung disease, according to reports. The 88-year-old pope isn’t out of the woods yet.

Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

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.

Pope Francis's condition is improving and doctors no longer fear for his life, the Vatican said Monday, indicating the