In a sign of his improved health, Francis followed the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat via videoconference in both morning and afternoon sessions.

Pope Francis is no longer in immediate danger of death and is responding well to treatment in hospital, the Vatican said on Monday, in a sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

Pope Francis' doctors on Monday lited a "guarded prognosis" though he will need to remain in the "hospital setting for a period of time" in the treatment of double pneumonia, the Vatican said.