The Vatican said in a statement released overnight that the 88-year-old pope no longer has a fever as he recovers from a bout of double pneumonia.

“He is alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods of supplemental high-flow oxygenation, maintaining a good response to gas exchange,” the statement read.

“The Holy Father does not have a fever and shows no leukocytosis [high white blood cell count].”

Doctors had to put him on noninvasive mechanical ventilation following a coughing fit in which he inhaled vomit that needed to then be extracted.

The Vatican said he has not experienced any further coughing fit episodes.

The episode was different from the prolonged respiratory crisis on February 22, that was said to have caused Francis discomfort.

”His haemodynamic parameters have always remained stable; he has continued eat on his own and has regularly undergone respiratory physiotherapy, in which he cooperates actively,” the statement from the Vatican continued.

“He has not experienced any further episodes of bronchospasm.

“The Holy Father remains alert and oriented. He received the Eucharist on Saturday afternoon, then devoted himself to prayer.

“The prognosis remains guarded.”

Despite yesterday’s setback, Vatican officials said the pope “remains in good humour”.