The Vatican announced an improvement in the pope's condition.

Pope Francis, who is undergoing treatment for pneumonia, no longer needs ventilation at night, and there are other improvements. This was reported on March 19 by the press service of the Holy See, reports Reuters.

"Dad's clinical condition continues to improve. Dad has suspended the use of non—invasive mechanical ventilation, and his need for high-flow oxygen therapy has also decreased," according to the latest detailed medical report on his condition.

It is noted that progress is being made against the background of motor and respiratory physiotherapy. The pontiff is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy in his youth and had part of his lung removed. In recent years, he has been using a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, the agency added.

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The Holy See's press service announced the pope's hospitalization on February 14. On February 18, he was diagnosed with the onset of bilateral pneumonia, and on February 22, the pope needed a blood transfusion. On March 3, it was reported that Francis suffered two attacks of acute respiratory failure. On March 8, the Vatican announced that the pontiff's condition had begun to improve.

On March 10, it became known that Francis had overcome a critical phase, and a steady improvement in his condition was recorded. At the same time, the Holy See reported that the pope needs to continue his treatment in a hospital for the next few days. Later, on March 16, the Vatican published a photo of the pontiff during morning prayers.