Pope Francis remains stable in hospital and a recent chest scan confirmed improvements in his condition, the Vatican said on Wednesday, in a further sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

March 13 (UPI) -- Pope Francis marked the 12th year of his pontificate Thursday while still recovering from lung infection. The anniversary is a public holiday at the Vatican but no events were planned to celebrate the occasion. Francis' condition was described as "stationary" Wednesday as the Vatican said he had been improving.