VATICAN: Pope Francis has now spent 33 days hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since his admission on Feb. 14 as Vatican officials continue to provide updates on the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, firmly denied rumors of papal resignation discussions during his recent visits to Pope Francis.

The cardinal said he found the Holy Father “in better condition” during his March 9 visit compared with earlier encounters.

Despite his delicate health, Pope Francis remains actively involved in Church governance. “The pope gives his instructions,” Parolin emphasized, confirming that Francis continues to make necessary decisions while hospitalized.

A recent example of Pope Francis’ ongoing papal activity includes gifting his Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by former U.S. President Joe Biden, to the metropolitan cathedral of Buenos Aires, where he served as archbishop before he was elected pope in 2013.

Meanwhile, prayers persist for the pontiff’s recovery. The Apostolic Vatican Archive and the Vatican Apostolic Library will animate a rosary prayer service, guided by Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church.--CNA