Pope Francis is now able to breathe on his own for short moments, the Vatican announced Monday, following the release of the first photo of the 88-year-old since his hospitalization a month ago.
Francis has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs. For the past two weeks, he alternated between using an oxygen mask at night and a high-flow oxygen cannula during the day. However, he is now transitioning to a reduced flow, with brief periods of breathing unaided, the Vatican press office reported.
Despite experiencing respiratory crises that raised serious concerns for his health, the pontiff has shown steady improvement over the past two weeks. His condition remains stable, and he has spent his days undergoing physiotherapy, praying, resting, and doing light work. The next official medical update is expected by Wednesday evening.
The Vatican released a photo on Sunday showing Francis sitting in a wheelchair in the chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where the papal suite is located. The image, taken that morning, shows him without a cannula, though his face is partially obscured.
Although he has not been seen in public for over a month, Francis has continued to issue written statements. In a message on Sunday, he acknowledged his fragile health, writing, “I am sharing these thoughts with you while 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.”
Despite ongoing health challenges in recent years, this marks the longest and most serious hospitalization of his papacy.