Pope Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for two weeks, after being admitted with a severe respiratory infection.

The pope underwent broncho aspiration and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response in terms of gas exchange, the Vatican said.

The Vatican says the "criticality" of Pope Francis health condition "has subsided for the moment," but he's still hospitalized and the "prognosis remains guarded."