Pope Francis Shows Slight Improvement in Pneumonia Treatment

The 88-year-old pontiff can now briefly breathe without oxygen support, though he continues to require nighttime ventilation as he recovers in a Rome hospital.

Pope Francis, hospitalized since February 14 for severe bilateral pneumonia, is receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The Vatican reports that his condition is stable and has slightly improved, with respiratory and physical therapy aiding his recovery.
He can now breathe without oxygen support for short periods but continues to rely on non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night.
A photo released Sunday showed the Pope for the first time since his hospitalization, though his face was not clearly visible.
The next official medical update on the Pope's condition is scheduled for Wednesday evening.