VATICAN: A new chest x-ray confirms there has been a slight improvement to Pope Francis’ lungs though his overall condition remains “complex” and “stationary,” a medical bulletin distributed by the Holy See Press Office said on March 12, Wednesday.

The latest medical update about the 88-year-old pope does not give a long-term prognosis. Francis continues to receive oxygen support day and night.

Also on Wednesday, the Holy See Press Office denied a statement by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I claiming that Pope Francis was confirmed to be planning a visit to Turkey in May for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

The press office said the Holy See has never mentioned a papal trip to Turkey, and while the visit is under consideration, it has never been officially announced.

The pontiff continues to spend his time doing physical and respiratory therapy, praying, and following via video the talks of the papal preacher Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap., for the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia. Pope Francis is not doing any work during the week-long retreat, as is his custom, a Vatican source said.

There are no particular plans for celebrating the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate on March 13.--CNA