The Vatican said the pope responded well to the treatment, with a good level of gas exchange, and remained conscious and alert at all times.

Pope Francis recorded and released an audio message on Thursday thanking those who have been praying for his recovery, his voice breathless as he nears three weeks in hospital with pneumonia. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square,

Pope Francis on Monday suffered two attacks of "acute respiratory insufficiency," the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old continues his health fight.

Pope France, who has been in the hospital since February 14, experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.