Pope Francis is in a good mood, also because he is feeling better, and is able to talk with the people around him, ANSA reported citing the Vatican sources.

Meanwhile the Vatican Press Office said the pontiff on Tuesday resumed his therapies, both pharmacological and respiratory and motor physiotherapy.

He also continued to follow the Lenten spiritual exercises "in communion" with the Curia on video.

Earlier, the press office said the pontiff had another "restful night" in Rome's Gemelli hospital.

On Monday the Vatican said the pope's prognosis was 'dissolved' in a key step forward as he battles bilateral pneumonia.

It came after more than three weeks in which the prognosis had been "guarded".

Doctors said the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff, who was admitted to Gemelli on February 14, still requires hospital treatment.

"Given the complexity of the Pope's clinical picture and the severe infection present at the time of hospitalization, it will still be necessary to continue pharmacological treatment in a hospital setting for a period of time," it said.

No medical bulletin is set to be issued on Tuesday evening as the Vatican Press Office will be in charge of providing possible updates late in the afternoon.

A new press briefing with the medical staff treating the pontiff "is possible but not imminent", the Vatican sources also said.