Pope Francis is showing continued signs of improvement after spending over a month in hospital for a severe respiratory infection, and no longer requires an oxygen mask to breathe at night, the Vatican announced Wednesday, as per Al Jazeera.
In the latest update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s health, the Vatican stated that Francis is “improving” following his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy.
During his stay, Pope Francis had been using noninvasive mechanical ventilation overnight to aid his breathing. According to the Vatican, this ventilation has now been “suspended,” although the Pope continues to receive oxygen through a small plastic tube under his nose.
The Vatican press office added that doctors believe the Pope’s respiratory infection is now under control. He has no fever, and his blood tests are within the normal range. This follows Monday’s announcement that the Pope had been spending short periods breathing independently.
While the Pope’s condition has remained stable or improved over the past two weeks, the Vatican has yet to provide a timeline for his potential discharge from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Italy and the Vatican in early April. They are expected to meet with Pope Francis on April 8, an appointment traditionally organized in close collaboration with senior Vatican officials.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. During his hospitalization, he has been undergoing both respiratory physiotherapy to improve his breathing and physical therapy to address knee and back pain.
On Sunday, the Vatican released the first image of Francis in the hospital, showing him praying in a chapel.
The Pope has a history of respiratory issues, having suffered from pleurisy, a chest infection, and undergoing the removal of part of one lung as a young man.
