Francis was no longer in imminent danger of death but needed to remain hospitalized for several more days to receive treatment.

Pope Francis continues to receive high-flow oxygen through nasal tubes during the day and a non-invasive mechanical mask at night.

Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital for almost a month, remains stable and a recent X-ray confirmed improvements in his condition that had been seen in previous days, the Vatican said on Wednesday.

If the last few days are any guide, Francis will likely follow the Vatican’s spiritual retreat remotely while his physical and respiratory therapy continues.