The pontiff has been hospitalized with pneumonia since February.
Pope Francis’ condition is improving, and he no longer needs a mechanical ventilator to help him breathe at night, the Vatican said on March 19.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for nearly five weeks after being diagnosed with a complex lung infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. The infection has required evolving treatment, including the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
“The Holy Father has suspended non-invasive mechanical ventilation and also has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy,” the Vatican press office said in a statement. “Motor and respiratory physiotherapy is continuing to make progress.”
While the Pope’s doctors have said that his lung infections are under control, they are not fully eliminated, the press office noted. His blood test results are in the normal range and he continues to be fever-free, it added.
“This morning, on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, the Holy Father concelebrated Mass,” the press office added.
He spent his day receiving treatment, praying, and doing some work, according to the press office.
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No decision has been made yet as to whether or not Francis will preside over liturgies during Holy Week.
Britain’s King Charles III is scheduled to meet with Francis on April 8 at the Vatican, assuming he is back and well enough, Buckingham Palace said on Monday.
Francis is more prone to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses because he had pleurisy as a young man, which required the removal of part of one lung.
He has been receiving respiratory therapy to aid his breathing and physical therapy to improve his mobility. In recent years, he has used a wheelchair due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture.
On Feb. 18, the Vatican described his condition as complex, based on laboratory tests, thoracic X-rays, and clinical assessments. By Feb. 22, officials stated that he remained in critical condition and was “not out of danger.”
On March 3, his condition worsened after he suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” caused by a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” which led to breathing difficulties. As a result, he underwent two bronchoscopies to remove large secretions obstructing his airways.
In a March 17 statement, the Vatican press office said his condition was stable and he had made some slight improvements thanks to the respiratory and motor therapy.
It added that he was using “high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas less frequently” and at times did not require oxygen therapy.
Francis officially began his papacy on March 17, 2013. His hospitalization marks his longest absence from public view since then.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella commemorated the 12th anniversary of Francis’ papacy in a letter praising his initiatives as pope.
Mattarella offered best his wishes for the continuation of Francis’ pontificate and “heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
