Pope Francis is now breathing without the aid of an oxygen mask following two episodes of acute respiratory failure, according to the Vatican, as the pontiff marked his 19th day in the hospital battling pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff “slept all night long and continues to rest” following yesterday’s crisis, the Holy See reported.
This morning, Pope Francis transitioned from using an oxygen mask to receiving high-flow oxygen via a nasal cannula, per a Vatican statement.
He remains under treatment, including respiratory physiotherapy, the statement noted.
In its evening update the previous day, the Vatican described the Pope’s prognosis as “reserved,” signaling that medical professionals are unable to confidently forecast his recovery.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 with bronchitis, which later progressed into bilateral pneumonia.
His hospitalization has triggered global concern, with countless supporters worldwide offering prayers for his recovery.
The Pope, who underwent a partial lung removal in his youth, has endured two respiratory crises in recent days.
Yesterday, he “experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the Vatican said in a statement to the media.
Acute respiratory failure, a potentially fatal condition, occurs when the lungs fail to adequately oxygenate the blood or when carbon dioxide accumulates in the body.
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