Pope Francis's Health Improves, No Longer Needs Mechanical Ventilation at Night

Pope Francis's health continued to improve on Wednesday, with the Vatican reporting that he no longer required noninvasive mechanical ventilation to assist his breathing at night. The 88-year-old pontiff is also reducing his reliance on high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day. While his double pneumonia infection has not been completely eliminated, it is under control.

Francis celebrated Mass on Wednesday, which marked the 12th anniversary of his installation as pope. He has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14th for a complex lung infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

For two consecutive nights, he has not needed to use the mechanical ventilation mask, and doctors have suspended its use. The Vatican is also reducing the frequency of its medical updates as Francis continues his recovery. The next update is not expected before Monday.