Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been able to spend brief moments of the day without any supplemental oxygen, which is yet another sign of the gradual improvement in his condition, the Vatican press office said.

For the first time since Pope Francis was hospitalized in mid-February, the Vatican press office released a photograph of him March 16; the image shows him concelebrating Mass that morning in the chapel of his suite of rooms at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

After more than a month in the hospital, Pope Francis' condition continues to be stable, the Vatican said March 15, and he gradually is "reducing the need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night."

Pope Francis' condition continues to be stable and a chest x-ray "confirmed the improvements recorded in the previous days," his doctors said, but without saying his double pneumonia had cleared up completely.

As Pope Francis prepared to spend the 12th anniversary of his election at Rome's Gemelli hospital, people at the Vatican and around the world were responding to his most frequent personal request.

Pope Francis is no longer considered in imminent danger from his lung infection, but he will remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital for several more days to continue receiving medical treatment, the Vatican said.

As Pope Francis' condition remains stable, which is a sign of continued improvement, he followed the start of the Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia by video linkup and met again with two top Vatican officials to stay abreast of current events, the Vatican press office said.

On his 21st day in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis recorded a 27-second audio message thanking people for their prayers.

This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I propose reflections on what it means to journey together in hope.

Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday on his 20th day in Rome's Gemelli hospital by taking part in the rite of the blessing of the ashes and receiving them in a short prayer service, the Vatican said.