Pope Francis, who suffered two respiratory crises on Monday as he battles double pneumonia, has stabilised and no longer needs to use mechanical ventilation for help breathing, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Pope Francis had a good night’s rest early Monday after apparently overcoming a setback in his recovery from pneumonia: He is stable, off mechanical ventilation and shows no sign of new infection following a respiratory crisis late last week.

Pope Francis underwent two bronchoscopies March 3, the Vatican said, “with the need for aspiration of abundant secretions,” or the removal of excessive mucus or other fluids from the airways during the procedure. “The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the bulletin said.