ROME (AP) – Pope Francis commemorated the 12th anniversary of his papacy on Thursday, while simultaneously receiving encouraging medical updates four weeks into his hospitalization for double pneumonia. The pope continued to show signs of improvement, according to a brief morning statement from the Vatican, which indicated that he spent another tranquil night.

A chest X-ray taken on Wednesday revealed positive changes in his condition, with doctors stating that he is no longer in imminent danger of death. The latest medical bulletin from the Holy See reported that the 88-year-old pope's health remains stable; however, his overall fragility presents a complex medical picture.

As the Vatican remains observant of his anniversary, details on how this significant milestone might be celebrated are yet to be announced. The day stands as a public holiday at the Vatican, with special Masses planned in honor of the pope at various churches across Rome. Importantly, no medical bulletins will be issued on this particular day.

Pope Francis, who has been following a Lenten spiritual retreat remotely—an essential tradition during his papacy—continues to receive high flows of oxygen through nasal tubes during the daytime. At night, he utilizes a non-invasive mechanical mask to assist with his breathing during rest.

The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope on the fifth ballot during the 2013 conclave, called after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. While Francis has openly praised Benedict's humility in stepping down and has occasionally hinted at possibly following that path himself, he has expressed a firmer stance in recent times, stating that the papacy is a job for life.

As a significant milestone approaches, Friday will mark four weeks of hospitalization for Pope Francis, who has garnered prayers and support from across the globe during this challenging time in his health journey.