Doctors say Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger but will remain in hospital for several more days. The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection since February.

Pope Francis was showing a “good response” to treatment on Monday, prompting doctors to improve his prognosis.

The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized for more than three weeks with a respiratory infection.

“The improvements recorded in the previous days have further consolidated … For these reasons, the doctors today decided to lift the prognosis,” the Vatican said in a statement.

Francis reportedly remains stable and will remain in hospital as his treatment continues.

“In view of the complexity of the clinical picture and the important infectious picture presented on admission, it will be necessary to continue medical drug therapy in a hospital setting for additional days,” the Vatican said.

Sunday prayers canceled again

Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 and is now being treated for double pneumonia.

He has had several setbacks over the weeks, including requiring oxygen several times due to breathing problems.

His previous prognosis before Monday was “guarded,” meaning that he was in imminent danger of death.

On Sunday, the Vatican canceled the traditional Sunday prayers on St Peter’s Square for the fourth time in a row.

On Monday, Francis followed the beginning of the Vatican’s week-long spiritual retreat to mark the Lenten season via videoconference.