Pope Francis, 88, spent another peaceful night at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday. The pontiff reportedly woke up, had breakfast in his armchair, and engaged in work with close collaborators.

Admitted last Friday with bronchitis that progressed to double pneumonia, Pope Francis' condition had raised global concern. However, the Vatican noted a slight improvement in blood test results, particularly regarding inflammatory markers, and stated his clinical condition remains stable.

On Wednesday, the pope even had the strength for a 20-minute meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who described him as "alert, responsive, and retaining his sense of humour."

Despite recent struggles with health—including colon surgery, hernia treatment, and mobility issues—the pope has continued his duties. Still, the Vatican has cancelled a papal audience scheduled for Saturday and confirmed he will not attend Sunday Mass. Plans for his weekly Angelus prayer remain undecided.

The pontiff, who had part of his right lung removed at age 21 due to pleurisy, acknowledged in a memoir last year that resignation remains a "distant possibility" unless faced with a serious physical impediment.

Meanwhile, prayers and well-wishes have poured in from around the world. US Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, urged people to "say a prayer for Pope Francis." In Rome, candles bearing the pope's image line a statue of Pope John Paul II outside the hospital.

Local parishioners, led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, have been called to pray for his swift recovery, especially significant in this Jubilee year, during which the pope has a busy schedule planned.

"I hope he recovers soon," said Annamaria Santoro, whose son is hospitalized at Gemelli. "He has so much to do for young people and for everyone. It's very sad."