Pope Francis

Francis has been hospitalized for over five weeks with respiratory issues.

The Vatican press office reported Friday that Francis’ overall condition remained stable, with slight improvements as he continues respiratory and physical physiotherapy.

Suspending use of an oxygen mask means Francis’ lungs are working harder and better on their own.

The 88-year-old pope concelebrated Mass in the hospital chapel Sunday.

Medical updates on the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition are increasingly positive four weeks into his hospitalization for double pneumonia.

Francis is inching toward the 12th anniversary of his election and a near-record in hospital stays for a pope.

Francis, 88, isn’t out of the woods yet, though. Doctors have decided to keep him hospitalized for several more days to receive treatment.

Lifting the guarded prognosis means the pope is no longer in imminent danger, the Vatican said.

The Vatican had said Pope Francis would participate “in spiritual communion” in the annual gathering marking the start of the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.

In Francis' absence, the Vatican held celebrations of its Holy Year, an event that brings millions of pilgrims to Rome every quarter-century.

“The clinical condition of the Holy Father in recent days has remained stable and, consequently, demonstrates a good response to therapy,” the Vatican said.