Pope Francis, who has been battling double pneumonia for nearly three weeks, remained in stable condition on Wednesday, with no new respiratory crises reported, according to the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to a serious lung infection that has required ongoing medical attention. Despite the severity of his condition, he managed to carry out some work and spent a significant portion of the day sitting in an armchair, marking the first time since February 27 that the Vatican confirmed he was able to engage in official duties.

While his health update was relatively positive, doctors have maintained a “guarded” prognosis, indicating that he is still not entirely out of danger.

As part of his treatment, Pope Francis continued to rely on non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the night, though it was removed during the day. He also received high-flow oxygen support through a nasal cannula, highlighting the challenges he faces in fully recovering from the illness.

For the first time since February 24, the Vatican revealed that the Pope had reached out to the Catholic parish in Gaza, a gesture he has frequently made amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Earlier in the week, the Vatican reported that Francis had suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday. However, there have been no further incidents since then.

His hospitalization marks his longest absence from the public eye since assuming the papacy 12 years ago. Medical experts have not provided a timeline for his recovery or when he may resume regular activities.

Due to his illness, the Pope has missed several important Church events, including the Ash Wednesday service, a significant religious observance marking the beginning of Lent. In his absence, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis led the ceremony in Rome, expressing solidarity with Francis.

“We are deeply connected with him in this moment,” De Donatis told the congregation. “We are grateful for his prayers and the sacrifices he offers for the Church and the world.”

During the service, which traditionally includes the placing of ashes on the foreheads of worshippers as a reminder of mortality, De Donatis delivered a homily originally prepared for the Pope. “Society often tries to push away the reality of death, yet it remains an undeniable truth that reminds us of life’s fragility,” he said.

Despite being unable to attend in person, Francis participated in an Ash Wednesday observance from his hospital suite.

Over the past two years, the Pope has faced multiple health challenges and is particularly vulnerable to lung infections, having had part of one lung removed in his youth due to pleurisy. Double pneumonia, which causes inflammation in both lungs, is a serious condition that can lead to breathing difficulties and long-term complications.

As his medical team closely monitors his progress, the Vatican continues to provide updates, with many faithful around the world praying for his recovery.