Pope Francis may soon be discharged from the hospital after displaying a “marked improvement” on Thursday following intravenous antibiotic treatment for a bronchitis infection, a Vatican report.

Doctors revealed that Francis was suffering from an “infectious bronchitis which required the administration of antibiotics

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, a “marked improvement” in the condition of the pontiff, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday, and said he could be home “in the coming days”.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, told the Adnkronos news agency Friday that “based on the information I have, the pope will leave Gemelli tomorrow”.

He expressed hope that Francis would be able to preside over services for Holy Week and Easter, Christianity’s most important holiday, which begin with this weekend’s Palm Sunday celebrations.

The pope’s hospitalization, which came only weeks after he celebrated 10 years as leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, has caused considerable alarm and fueled rumors about his future.

The 86-year-old, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has suffered increasing health issues in recent years, and it was his second stay in hospital since 2021.

He has repeatedly said he would consider stepping down if his health failed him, following the example of his predecessor Benedict XVI — but said in February that for now, he had no plans to quit.”