Ankara: Pope Francis has shown signs of improvement, according to a statement from the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff spent a restful night and awoke around 8 a.m., with his condition remaining stable. The Vatican announced that his prognosis has improved and is no longer considered guarded.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pope Francis has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14. The pontiff, who was elected as Pope Benedict XVI's successor in March 2013 at the age of 76, has been dealing with a string of health issues over the years.

In 2022, Pope Francis canceled scheduled trips to Africa due to knee problems, requiring him to use a cane or wheelchair. In March 2023, he was hospitalized with a respiratory infection and later underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia. Earlier this year, the Vatican reported that the Pope sustained a slight injury to his right arm from a fall at his home.

Born in Argentina in 1936, Pope Francis has faced various health challenges throughout his life. At the age of 21, he underwent surgery to remove part of his lung following a bout with life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts. This experience, he has said, played a significant role in his decision to join the Jesuit order.