Pope Francis did not need ventilation on Sunday and was stable throughout the day, the Vatican reported as he battles double pneumonia at the age of 88. 

Francis has spent the last two weeks at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. He was admitted on St. Valentine's Day, February 14 with complications of a severe respiratory infection.

"The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable throughout the day," the statement read.

While the pontiff was no longer ventilated, he was still receiving oxygen through a hose under his nose.

"Guarded"

Even so, the Pope is not considered to be completely out of danger, and his condition is still labeled "guarded."

He had something similar to an asthma attack on Friday, which caused him to be intubated and hooked up to a ventilator.

"I would like to thank you for the prayers," Francis said in a note after he met with two Vatican officials on Sunday.

"I feel all your affection and closeness and ... I feel as if I am 'carried' and supported by all God's people," the message said.

The note was released in place of his usual Sunday prayer with pilgrims, which he has missed leading three weeks in a row.

Prayers for recovery

The Pope has been known to work until exhaustion in the past.

He has not ceded his responsibilities for leading the Vatican to his second in command Cardinal Pietro Parolin while he has been hospitalized, though he met with Parolin and Parolin's deputy, Matteo Bruni periodically throughout the illness.

Another official reported that on Sunday, the Pope was eating normally and moving around the hospital room.

Double pneumonia can damage and scar the lungs, and doctors don't know how long the Pope's treatment might last.

Pilgrims at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican were disappointed they couldn't see the Pope lead prayers, but said they were praying for his recovery.

"We still feel him here," said Annalisa Giona, an Italian. "He's in our thoughts, in our prayers, in our souls, he's here."