Pope Francis, who has been in hospital for almost three weeks battling double pneumonia, is in stable condition and is doing some physical therapy, the Vatican said on Thursday. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis has reportedly increased his physical therapy, despite his outlook remaining "guarded," according to the Vatican. He apparently underwent high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive ventilation at night.

Pope Francis increased his physical activity Wednesday, called the Catholic parish priest in Gaza and celebrated the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead, the Vatican said. The Holy Father suffered no respiratory crises during the day,