The Pope’s condition is reportedly “improving,” according to the Vatican, as he undergoes high-flow oxygen and ventimask therapy.

The Vatican stated that due to the complexity of the Pope’s condition, several more days of stability are needed to assess the long-term outlook.

The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with respiratory problems and was subsequently diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

The Vatican added that the Pope spent the morning doing respiratory physiotherapy and resting. In the afternoon, after another physiotherapy session, he prayed in the Chapel of his private apartment on the 10th floor, received the Eucharist, and then worked.

On Wednesday, the Vatican announced that the Pope’s doctors observed that the recent kidney insufficiency had lessened, blood tests showed slight improvement, and a chest CT scan indicated that his lung infection was progressing as expected under treatment.

Discussing the Pope’s condition on Tuesday, Channel’s senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said that bilateral pneumonia “is more problematic and more difficult to recover from,” particularly for “an elderly patient with scarring from previous surgeries and bouts of pneumonia.”

The Pope has had health challenges for years and even had a portion of his lung removed in 1957.

Siegel also commented on the Pope’s high-flow oxygen therapy, explaining that it addresses breathing issues “but is not as aggressive as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or mechanical ventilation.” He said it was a “good sign” that the Pope is not on a ventilator.

“Don’t underestimate the impact of great medical care combined with the power of prayer,” Siegel added.

’ Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.