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.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis, in hospital for more than a month with pneumonia, did not need to use an oxygen mask overnight as the 88-year-old’s condition gradually improves, the Vatican said on March 18.

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.