Pope Francis is showing continued signs of recovery and no longer needs mechanical assistance to support his breathing at night, the Vatican confirmed in an official statement.
The 87-year-old pontiff, who has spent nearly five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to a serious respiratory infection, had previously been relying on non-invasive mechanical ventilation—using a facial mask to aid airflow during sleep.
According to Vatican officials, that form of treatment has now been suspended.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father are confirmed to be improving,” the statement read, noting that while the mechanical support has been discontinued, the pope is still receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula.
Doctors overseeing his care believe the respiratory infection is now under control, with no signs of fever and normal blood test results.
The Vatican, however, has not provided a specific timeline for his discharge, saying his recovery is progressing gradually.
Pope Francis has long been vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, having suffered from pleurisy as a young man, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung.
His medical history, combined with age-related challenges, has required both respiratory and physical therapy during his current hospital stay.
In recent years, the pope has also been using a wheelchair due to chronic knee and back pain, further complicating his mobility.
While Vatican officials maintain that the pope is in stable condition, some external medical experts have noted that full recovery could be slow, given his age and pre-existing health concerns.
This hospitalization marks Pope Francis’ longest absence from public duties since his papal election in 2013.
The Vatican released the first image of the pontiff in hospital over the weekend, showing him in prayer at a chapel within the hospital premises—an image that has brought comfort to Catholics around the world.