If the last few days are any guide, the 88-year-old will likely follow the Vatican’s spiritual retreat remotely while his physical and respiratory therapy continues.

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.