The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis no longer uses mechanical ventilation to help him breathe at night, and his doctors believe he will continue to improve.
Francis spent nearly five weeks at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for severe respiratory infections, which needed to continue to develop.
The latest detailed medical update says to his condition: “The clinical condition of the Holy Father is improving.”
The pope has been using non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight during his hospital stay, which involves placing a mask on his face to help push air into the lungs.
The statement said that this ventilation has been “suspended”. But it said the pope was still receiving oxygen through the small hose under his nose.
Shortly after the Vatican Media Office issued its latest statement, the Pope’s doctors believed his infection was under control. The Pope did not have a fever, and his blood test was normal.
The pope has been described as being in a stable or improved state for two weeks, but the Vatican has not given a time frame for his discharge, saying his recovery is slow.
Francis is prone to lung infections because he suffered from pleurisitis when he was young and part of his lungs.
He has been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help him with his breathing and physical therapy to help him with mobility. He has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
The doctor who is not involved in Francis’ care said the pope could face a long and difficult road to recovery given his age and other medical conditions.
The Pope’s hospitalization in the hospital is his longest absence in public view since he was elected as Pope in 2013.
The Vatican posted the first photo of Francis at the hospital on Sunday showing him praying in the church.
