Pope Francis Removed from Ventilator as Health Shows Progress

VATICAN CITY:

Pope Francis is recovering from pneumonia and no longer needs nighttime mechanical ventilation. Doctors are optimistic about his continued improvement, as reported by the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pontiff has spent nearly five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to a serious respiratory infection that has necessitated changing treatments.

“The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving,” the Vatican announced in a medical update on Wednesday.

Previously, the pope was using non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight, which consists of wearing a mask to assist with breathing. However, this ventilation has now been “suspended,” according to the statement. He is still receiving oxygen through a small nasal cannula.

Medical professionals indicated that his infection is manageable, with no fever present, and all blood tests showing normal results, as stated by the Vatican press office shortly after the update.

For the past two weeks, the pope has been described as stable or improving, but the Vatican has not provided a timeline for his release, noting that his recovery is proceeding gradually.

Francis is susceptible to lung infections due to a past bout of pleurisy and a previous lung surgery.

He is receiving respiratory physiotherapy to help improve his breathing and physical therapy for mobility. The pope has been using a wheelchair for several years as a result of knee and back pain.

Experts not involved in his care believe that given the pope’s age and medical history, he may face a long and difficult recovery process.

Children Write to the Pope

This hospitalization marks the longest period the pope has been away from public appearances since he was elected in 2013.

The Vatican shared the first image of Pope Francis in the hospital on Sunday, depicting him at prayer in a chapel.

In a hint that the Vatican may be anticipating his release by the end of the month, King Charles of Britain recently announced plans for himself and Queen Camilla to visit Italy and the Vatican in early April.

The royal couple is tentatively set to meet Pope Francis on April 8, a meeting typically organized in conjunction with senior Vatican officials.

The pope continues to receive an outpouring of well-wishes for his recovery, including letters from children.

According to Italy’s postal service, the pope has received an estimated 150 kg (331 lbs) of additional mail each day from around the globe during his hospital stay.

A van from the hospital is dispatched daily to collect the mail addressed to Pope Francis.