Vatican confirms no immediate threat to life for Pope Francis. Doctors have withdrawn their earlier prognosis of caution. Pope Francis has been undergoing physical and respiratory therapy. He has alternated between using an oxygen mask at night and a high-flow oxygen cannula during the day. The 88-year-old pontiff has not made any public appearances since his admission to hospital. He recorded a brief audio message last week, in which he expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received. The Pope is expected to be discharged from the hospital within days, the Vatican said in a statement on Monday. He will remain under medical observation for a few more days to complete his treatment due to the complexity of his condition and the severe infection he had at the time of his hospitalisation. The Vatican has not released any further details about the Pope’s condition or how he is being treated. For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. For confidential. support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 909090.