Pope Francis remained stable through the day on Sunday and no longer required the use of mechanical ventilation to breathe, the Vatican said, in a sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

Pope Francis remained in stable condition and didn’t need any mechanical ventilation on Sunday, the Vatican said. It was a sign that his respiratory function was improving as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia and a respiratory crisis.

Pope Francis, in hospital fighting double pneumonia, had a peaceful night and is resting, the Vatican said on Sunday. The Vatican said on Saturday evening that the 88-year-old pontiff's condition was stable,