VATICAN/ISTANBUL

Pope Francis continues to recover in a hospital in Rome but still needs medical treatment, according to statements Saturday by the Vatican.

The condition of the 88-year-old pope remains stable, according to the Holy See Press Office, that noted progress was observed in the past week and “high-flow oxygen therapy continues, progressively reducing the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the night.”

“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical care, as well as physiotherapy and respiratory physiotherapy. These therapies are currently showing further, gradual improvements,” the Vatican stated.

- Hospitalization since Feb. 14​​​​​​​

Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and head of state of the Vatican, was unable to speak at two public events on Feb. 9 and 12, indicating that he had bronchitis and difficulty breathing. He asked aides to read the texts of his speeches.

On Feb. 14, the pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital and was reported to have a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory tract.

The Vatican announced Feb. 18 that the pope had developed bilateral pneumonia and his clinical condition was complicated.

He had an asthma attack on Feb. 22 and his condition was critical.

The Vatican noted that the pontiff, who had a bronchospasm crisis Feb. 28, underwent bronchoaspiration, where mechanical ventilation was initiated and a positive response to the treatment was received.

His condition remained stable March 1 - 2.

The world leader of the Catholics suffered acute respiratory failure twice and non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed March 3.

The pope has been stable since March 4, and has begun to show signs of improvement.

Radiologically confirmed improvements noted in the previous days on his last chest X-ray March 12.