Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, remained stable throughout the day and did not have any new respiratory crises, the Vatican said.
Francis, 88, had suffered two episodes of what the Vatican described as “acute respiratory insufficiency”.
The latest detailed medical update on his condition said the pope had suffered no similar problems.
“Throughout the day, the Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable,” it said. “He has remained without fever, always alert, collaborating with his treatment, and well-oriented.”
Francis has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for more than two weeks. He was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.
The bulletin was the second cautiously upbeat report of the day, after the Vatican press office said earlier that the pope’s condition had stabilised overnight Monday.
While the pope had stopped using non-invasive mechanical ventilation to help him breathe during the day on Tuesday, the latest update said he would return to using ventilation overnight Tuesday.
Doctors said his prognosis is “guarded”, meaning the pope is not out of danger.
Francis has not been seen in public since entering the hospital, his longest absence from view since his papacy started in March 2013. His doctors have not said how long his treatment might last.
