The 88-year-old pontiff is now able to spend some time during the day off high flows of oxygen and use just ordinary supplemental oxygen delivered by a nasal tube, the Holy See press office said. Doctors are also trying to cut back on the amount of time he uses a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night, to force his lungs to work more.

He has not been seen in public since. Francis is pictured from behind, facing the altar in a chapel at the hospital. The side of his face is visible and his right hand rests on his lap. There is no sign he is receiving the supplementary oxygen he has been given throughout his stay.