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Pope Francis's medical condition continues to improve, according to the latest update from his doctors. The Vatican press office released a bulletin on March 19 indicating that the Pope no longer requires "noninvasive mechanical ventilation," which he had been using since experiencing a breathing crisis on February 28.
The bulletin stated, "The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving." The need for high-flow oxygen therapy during the day has also decreased for the 88-year-old pontiff.
Previously, it was reported that Pope Francis spent the night of March 17-18 without needing mechanical ventilation. Instead, he received high-flow oxygen through a nasal tube overnight.
Since being hospitalized on February 14, Pope Francis has shown progress in both physical and respiratory therapies. He was able to concelebrate Mass at Rome’s Gemelli hospital chapel for the feast of St. Joseph on March 19, which marks one of his favorite saints' feast days and the anniversary of his pontificate's inauguration.
The Vatican press office reported that his double pneumonia and infections are "under control," with blood counts within normal ranges and no fever episodes recorded.
There is currently no timeline for Pope Francis's release from the hospital. The next medical bulletin is anticipated on March 24. Decisions regarding upcoming Vatican celebrations, including Palm Sunday and Easter, have not yet been made public.
Doctors noted his "gradual" improvement led them to stop daily updates after March 6. The last update before March 19 was issued on March 15, though daily news about his condition continued from the press office.
On March 19, despite not mentioning his illness in prepared texts for weekly general audiences or messages for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, both were released by the Vatican with dates marked at Gemelli hospital.
The evening rosary recitations initiated for Pope Francis’s health continue; Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo led them most recently on March 19.
