VATICAN: Pope Francis is recovering well and no longer needs mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said on Sunday. This is a positive sign that he has moved past the risks of a recent breathing crisis and that his overall condition is improving. The 88-year-old pope is still receiving high-flow oxygen to help him breathe after experiencing a severe coughing episode on Friday, which raised concerns about a possible lung infection. However, doctors confirmed on Sunday that his condition remains stable. While he is not completely out of danger, his situation is looking better.

Pope has been in the hospital since 14th February. On Sunday, he spent his time resting, praying in his private chapel, and attending Mass. In the morning, he had a visit from Vatican officials Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, though the details of their discussion were not shared. Even when he is in the Vatican, Francis usually meets with them at least once a week.

To avoid public appearances, he skipped his usual Sunday noon blessing. Instead, the Vatican shared a message he had written from his hospital room. In it, he thanked his doctors for their care and expressed gratitude to those who have been praying for him. He also repeated his prayers for peace in Ukraine and other conflict zones.
Doctors See Positive Progress

Many signs point to Pope Francis making a recovery. On Friday, he had a serious coughing fit and accidentally inhaled vomit, which raised concerns about a new infection. Doctors quickly treated him, using a ventilation mask to help him breathe. By Saturday, he was alternating between ventilation and just supplemental oxygen. By Sunday, he no longer needed the ventilator at all.

Doctors also confirmed that he had no fever and that his white blood cell count was normal, meaning there were no signs of a new infection. They had been monitoring him closely for 24 to 48 hours after Friday’s episode to check for complications. Sunday’s updates suggest he is recovering well.

Pope Francis has had lung problems in the past. He lost part of one lung as a young man and has been dealing with lung disease. He was hospitalized after a case of bronchitis worsened and turned into complex pneumonia in both lungs.

Prayers Continue for Pope Francis

As the Vatican prepares for the Holy Year, many pilgrims have been traveling to Rome. Some have made a special stop at Gemelli Hospital, where the pope is staying, to pray for his recovery. The hospital is about a 20-minute drive from the Vatican, though it can take longer during heavy traffic.

Among those visiting was Rev. Riccardo Fumagalli, who brought a group of young people from Milan. They had planned to attend the pope’s usual Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Square but instead went to the hospital to pray for him.

"We thought it was important to come here and show our support," Fumagalli said. "These teenagers wanted to be close to the Holy Father and pray for his health."

Cancer patient Antonino Cacace also arrived at the hospital on Sunday from Milan. He is scheduled for surgery soon and said he is counting on Pope Francis’ prayers for strength.