Pope Francis is in stable condition and using just supplemental oxygen following setbacks from his bout of double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff will use a ventilation mask at night, the Vatican said.
On Tuesday, he was taken off the noninvasive mechanical intervention and resumed receiving supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube, the Vatican said.
In a late update, it said that Francis had no further respiratory episodes Tuesday. He spent the day praying, resting and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy as he continues to recover.
Francis has been at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Feb. 14, and has suffered a series of medical setbacks in that time, including two episodes of “acute respiratory failure” Monday. Doctors removed “copious” amounts of mucus from his lungs.
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in the Vatican on Feb. 9, 2025. AFP via Getty ImagesHe has not been seen publicly since he was hospitalized — marking his longest time spent out of sight since he began his papacy in March 2013.
The Vatican said in a statement Monday that Francis suffered a bronchospasm — similar to an asthma attack — which required two procedures to inspect his air passages known as bronchoscopies.
The statement said the pope’s condition was “guarded,” meaning although he’s bounced back slightly, his condition remains worrying.
Faithful pray during a rosary prayer for Pope Francis’ health in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 3, 2025. ZUMAPRESS.com
Candles and rosaries are left next to the statue of late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, on March 4, 2025. REUTERSA one-line note from the Vatican said “the pope slept all night and is continuing to rest.” On
Francis has dealt with several other health episodes in recent years, and is susceptible to respiratory ailments due to having part of one lung removed when he was 21 due to pleurisy.
With Post wires
