In recent weeks, worrying health bulletins about the pope may have led to the belief that his death was imminent, sparking intense activity in the Vatican. Even though his doctors remain cautious, his condition seems to have improved since March 4.

The pope has met twice in hospital with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's number two official, to discuss pending matters. The Vatican has said the meetings are "audiences", the official term for an encounter with the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church, no matter where the pontiff is.