According to an early Sunday update from the Vatican, Francis rested after a quiet night. For the fourth consecutive Sunday, the pope will not participate in his weekly noon blessing; however, the Vatican plans to distribute the text he would have delivered if he were feeling well enough.

The Argentine pope, who has a history of chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed in his youth, has maintained stability with no fever and normal oxygen levels in his blood for several days, doctors stated in a Saturday Vatican report.

They described that such stability “thereby confirms a positive response to therapy,” noting this as the first time that Francis has shown a positive reaction to his treatment for the intricate lung infection that was diagnosed upon his hospitalization on February 14.

However, his prognosis is still classified as guarded, indicating that he is not yet out of danger.

In his absence, the Vatican continues its daily operations and the celebrations of its Holy Year, which takes place every 25 years and attracts millions of pilgrims to Rome. This Sunday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, who is close to Francis, will lead the Holy Year Mass for volunteers that Francis was originally scheduled to celebrate.

Francis has been utilizing high doses of supplemental oxygen during the day and a non-invasive mechanical ventilation mask at night to aid his breathing.

Initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 for a severe case of bronchitis, the infection developed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia, which has incapacitated Francis for the longest period in his 12-year papacy, prompting discussions about his future.