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

The Vatican said Pope Francis’ respiratory infection also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which requires cortisone antibiotic treatment.

The Vatican, though, made alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making clear Francis still had a long road ahead. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will preside over the March 5 ceremony and procession that inaugurates the church's solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.

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.