The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis no longer requires mechanical ventilation at night to assist with his breathing, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from pneumonia. Doctors are optimistic, confirming steady improvement in the pontiff’s health.
The 86-year-old pope has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for nearly five weeks after being diagnosed with a severe respiratory infection. His condition has required evolving treatment, and while his recovery is progressing, the Vatican has refrained from providing a definitive timeline for his discharge.
A recent medical update shared by the Vatican on Wednesday confirmed that Pope Francis’s clinical condition continues to improve. “The clinical conditions of the Holy Father are confirmed to be improving,” the statement read.
During his hospitalization, Pope Francis had been using non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night to assist with his breathing. The device, which involves a mask that helps push air into the lungs, has now been discontinued, although the pope is still receiving oxygen through a small nasal hose. The Vatican also reported that the pontiff’s infection is under control, and his fever has subsided, with his blood tests returning to normal.
While the pope’s condition has been described as stable or improving for the past two weeks, the Vatican has emphasized that his recovery is progressing slowly. Experts outside of the pope’s care have cautioned that given his age and medical history, including a history of lung issues and the partial removal of one lung, his recovery may be a long and challenging journey.
Throughout his hospital stay, Pope Francis has undergone both respiratory physiotherapy to aid his breathing and physical therapy to improve his mobility. He has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
The pope’s hospitalization has marked his longest absence from public duties since his election in 2013. In an encouraging sign, the Vatican released a photo on Sunday of Pope Francis praying in a hospital chapel.
Looking ahead, there is hope that the pope may soon be discharged. King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom have confirmed plans to visit Italy and the Vatican in early April, with a meeting scheduled for April 8. Such meetings are typically arranged in coordination with senior Vatican officials.
In the meantime, Pope Francis has been receiving an outpouring of well-wishes from around the world. Italy’s postal service revealed that the pope has been receiving approximately 150 kg (331 lb) of mail daily. A van is dispatched each day to collect the growing volume of letters addressed to the pope, including many from children offering their support.
