Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Pope Francis health is steadily improving following treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving care for pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff can now breathe without assistance for brief periods.
The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized since February 14 due to respiratory complications. According to Vatican officials, he managed to breathe unaided for short moments on Monday (March 17), marking a significant step in his recovery.
For the past two weeks, Pope Francis has transitioned from wearing an oxygen mask at night to using a nasal cannula, a small plastic tube inserted into the nostrils to deliver high-flow oxygen during the day.
“The pope is now gradually breathing [naturally] for the first time, and for brief moments, he can go without [the oxygen] mask,” the Vatican stated, citing AFP.
Pope Francis has faced multiple respiratory challenges in recent years, often requiring hospital stays, raising concerns among the Catholic faithful about his long-term health.
The recent hospitalizations spark concerns over the pope conditions. However, Vatican spokespersons have assured that his condition remains stable.
During his hospitalization, the pope has been spending time undergoing physiotherapy, praying, resting, and handling limited official duties.
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On Sunday (March 16), the Vatican released the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization. The image, taken inside the hospital chapel, shows the pope praying while seated in a wheelchair, dressed in his traditional white robe with a purple stole. The picture, taken from behind his right side, does not fully reveal his face.
Despite his fragile health, Pope Francis remains engaged in his spiritual duties. The Vatican published his Angelus prayer, in which he acknowledged his vulnerability, saying he was “facing a time of trial.”
The pope’s health has been closely monitored worldwide, particularly by the Catholic community. His hospitalization initially raised widespread concerns, with prayers pouring in from around the world. News of his improving condition has brought relief to Catholics globally, who are hopeful for his full recovery and eventual return to the Vatican.
(Raidi/Agung)
