A chest X-ray has confirmed positive changes in Pope Francis' condition after his fourth week in hospital where he is being treated for double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
Medical officials said Francis' health was slowly but surely improving, and this week they said he was no longer in immediate danger of death.
During his recovery, Dad continues to receive oxygen through nasal tubes during the day and uses a non-invasive mechanical mask at night for comfortable rest.
The Vatican said Francis, 88, had rejoined the Vatican's spiritual retreat remotely and resumed physical and respiratory therapy after a restful night.
On Thursday, Francis will mark an important date: the 12th anniversary of his election as pope.
The Holy See has not yet revealed details about how the anniversary, which is a public holiday in the Vatican, will be marked this year.
The pope's weekly general audience on Wednesdays has been cancelled because the Vatican hierarchy is taking part in the Lenten retreats that week, which are an important part of the Jesuit pope's pontificate.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie