Pope Francis is no longer using mechanical ventilation to help him breathe in the latest positive update on his health, the Vatican said on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent more than a month in hospital battling pneumonia in both lungs.

The release of the photo a month into his treatment came after dozens of young people gathered under the pontiff’s windows to offer wishes for a quick recovery.

Pope Francis, who has been in hospital since February 14 with pneumonia in both lungs, is stable and talk has turned to when he might go home.

As Francis' condition improves, the Vatican announced it will scale back medical updates, with the next bulletin expected Monday. Pope Francis Reflects on Illness, Calls War 'Absu

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.

Pope Francis is registering new slight improvements in his monthlong treatment for pneumonia in both his lungs, the Vatican said Monday, as it also provided some details on the first photo of the pope released since his hospitalization.

The Vatican says Pope Francis, who is in hospital for more than a month with pneumonia, did not need to use an oxygen mask overnight as his condition gradually improves.