Pope Francis, aged 88, is showing signs of recovery from a complex lung infection that developed into double pneumonia. According to a recent Vatican medical bulletin, he has not required the use of a mechanical ventilation mask for breathing, which indicates an improvement in his respiratory condition. His dependency on high-flow supplemental oxygen during daytime has also decreased, although the pneumonia infection is still being managed and has not been fully resolved.
On a notable occasion, the Pope celebrated Mass on Wednesday, marking both a significant feast day for the Catholic Church and the 12th anniversary of his papacy. He has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, where ongoing respiratory and physical therapies are aimed at strengthening his lung function.
After experiencing respiratory crises earlier this year, for which he was placed on the ventilation mask, Francis managed to go two consecutive nights without it, prompting doctors to suspend its use. This change suggests that his lungs are beginning to operate more effectively on their own.
The Vatican will be reducing the frequency of its medical updates on the Pope’s recovery, with the next announcement anticipated early next week. Italian President Sergio Mattarella commemorated Francis’s 12 years as pope by sending a letter expressing admiration for his initiatives and extending heartfelt wishes for his recovery.