Is the pope out of danger? No. Both doors are open. Is he at risk of immediate death? No. The therapy needs time to work,” Sergio Alfieri, a surgeon who has operated on the pope in the past, said during a press conference on Friday.

Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, will not appear in public on Sunday to lead his usual prayer with pilgrims for a second consecutive week, the Vatican said. Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty in breathing for several days.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17)