Pope Francis now 'out of danger from death' as health condition continues to improve

"The improvements recorded in the previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by both blood tests and clinical objectivity and good response to drug therapy," the release read.

The Vatican also said that Pope Francis, 88, "is out of danger from death from the infections that he arrived at the hospital with."

The pope was first admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after fighting a week-long bout of bronchitis that gradually worsened. There, he was first diagnosed with a complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection. 

Doctors then detected the onset of pneumonia in both of Pope Francis's lungs - a significant health threat to the octogenarian, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger.

Pope Francis had solid food introduced into his diet on Sunday after days of gradual improvement. On Monday, he "alternated prayer with rest" and worshipped throughout the day. 

"This morning the Holy Father was able to follow the Spiritual Exercises in connection with the Paul VI Room, then received the Eucharist and went to the Chapel of the private apartment for a moment of prayer," the Holy See said on Monday. "In the afternoon he joined the Spiritual Exercises of the Curia again."