In a statement from the Vatican, it was mentioned that the Pope’s health condition has improved and he has begun to breathe without the need for respiratory support.

The Vatican statement indicated that Pope Francis’ health condition continues to improve, and he no longer requires the mechanical ventilation mask that has been assisting his breathing. The cessation of mask usage signifies that Francis’ lungs are now functioning better and stronger on their own. The statement from the Vatican Press Office also conveyed that the 88-year-old Pope’s dependency on high-flow oxygen support during the day has decreased.

According to the statement, although the pneumonia infection has not completely disappeared, it is now under control. Pope Francis has been receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14th.

Turning into bilateral pneumonia from a lung infection, the Pope is undergoing respiratory and physical therapy to strengthen his lungs. Following a series of respiratory crises at the end of February and the beginning of March, the Pope was connected to a ventilation mask due to the inability to clear the phlegm and fluid accumulated in his lungs.