Rome, 10 March 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Pope Francis is no longer in immediate danger but will remain in hospital "for several more days," the 88-year-old pontiff's doctors said on Monday.

The Argentine has been in Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 and is suffering from double pneumonia. He has suffered several setbacks over the weeks, including requiring oxygen several times due to breathing problems.

The Vatican released a bulletin stating that the pope's recent progress had led doctors to "lift their guarded prognosis," noting that his clinical condition remains stable and "the improvements recorded in recent days have further consolidated."

This is supported by blood tests, clinical findings, and the pope's good response to medication.

For several days, the Holy See had been reporting a gradual improvement in Francis' condition.

However, the pontiff will have to continue his pharmacological therapy in the hospital for several more days, the Vatican said, without mentioning a possible discharge date.

He experienced two acute episodes of breathing difficulties more than a week ago, leading to mechanical ventilation with a mask over his mouth and nose and additional oxygen through a tube in his nose.

On Sunday the Vatican cancelled the traditional Sunday prayers on St Peter's Square for the fourth time in a row.

Photo: MIA Archive