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.

While Pope Francis’s condition has continued to improve, the Vatican announced that he will not lead his traditional Ash Wednesday services in Rome March 5.

Pope Francis is showing improvement as he battles double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Friday, but he will not lead an annual Church service next week to open the Christian season of Lent. Francis, 88,

Pope Francis had an "isolated breathing crisis" in hospital on Friday, the Vatican said, in a setback as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

Pope Francis is in stable condition and does not have a fever, the Vatican said on Sunday, days after he suffered from a sudden respiratory episode in hospital where he has been battling double pneumonia.