VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is making gradual progress in his recovery, now able to briefly breathe without assistance, according to the Vatican on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, battling pneumonia in both lungs.
Health Update
For the past two weeks, Francis has been using an oxygen mask at night and a high-flow oxygen cannula during the day. However, he is now shifting to a reduced flow and can spend short moments breathing on his own, the Vatican press office confirmed.
Despite experiencing respiratory crises earlier in his hospitalization, the pope’s condition has been gradually stabilizing.
“His condition remains stable. He spent the day in physiotherapy, prayer, rest, and some work,” the Vatican reported.
First Photo Since Hospitalization
On Sunday, the Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization. The photo, taken that morning, shows him sitting in a wheelchair inside the hospital chapel, without his oxygen cannula.
Pope’s Message Amid Health Struggles
Acknowledging his fragile health, Francis issued a written statement:
“I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.”
The Vatican announced that the next formal medical bulletin will be released on Wednesday evening at the earliest.
This marks Pope Francis’s longest and most serious hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013, raising concerns over his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church.