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 ventilation to help him breath at night, the Vatican says. The 88-year-old has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital for nearly five weeks battling pneumonia. The Vatican has not yet given a time frame for the pontiff's discharge, saying his recovery is going slowly.

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.