VATICAN CITY, March 19. /TASS/. Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, no longer needs mechanical ventilation at night, with his condition continuing to improve, the press service of the Hole See said.
"The Holy Father's clinical condition is confirmed to be improving. The Holy Father has suspended non-invasive mechanical ventilation and also has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy. Motor and respiratory physiotherapy is continuing to make progress," it said.
"He spent his day receiving treatment, praying, and doing some work," it said but refrained from anticipating when the pontiff could be discharged from hospital. "No decision has yet been made regarding who will preside over liturgies during Holy Week."
On Tuesday, he sent a letter to the Corriere della Sera newspaper calling for the "disarmament of words, thoughts, hearts, and Earth" amid the EU discussions of its rearming.
While in hospital, Pope Francis continues to call for peace including in his Angelus prayers each Sunday, which have been released in a written format since February 14.
Several days ago, the Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital.
Buckingham Palace has announced King Charles III visit to Italy on April 8, during which he is scheduled to visit the Vatical City and meet with the pope.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 after being diagnosed with double pneumonia.