Friday marks three weeks since Pope Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis, which then led to double pneumonia.

Despite his hospitalization, Francis has been actively participating in the Vatican's Lenten spiritual retreat remotely via videoconference. The retreat, which began Sunday, is led by Father Roberto Pasolini and focuses on "The hope of eternal life." While Francis can see and hear the sessions, those present in the Vatican cannot see or hear him.

Pope Francis spent a quiet night in the hospital, said the Vatican Monday, a day after the 88-year-old pontiff thanked doctors for

Pope Francis is responding well to the treatment for double pneumonia and has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days, the Vatican said Saturday. But his doctors have

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened and turned into a complex pneumonia in both lungs.

Pope Francis had a “peaceful” 21st night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and “is still resting,” the Vatican said at 8:15 a.m., March 6.

In his absence, the Vatican’s day-to-day operations continued alongside celebrations of its Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century Jubilee that brings millions of pilgrims to Rome. On Sunday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, who is close to Francis, celebrates the Holy Year Mass for volunteers that Francis was supposed to have celebrated.