Suspending use of the mask means Francis’ lungs are working harder and better on their own. The Vatican is also again reducing its medical updates as Francis slowly continues his recovery, with the next one not expected before Monday.

Pope Francis is no longer using mechanical ventilation for help breathing at night and his doctors believe he will continue to improve, the Vatican said on Wednesday, in the latest positive update as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia.

The Vatican has released a game-changing medical report for Pope Francis, who has been getting treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.