Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, is showing promising signs of recovery following a severe respiratory crisis last week, according to a Vatican statement released Sunday evening.

Hospitalized since February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with double pneumonia, the pontiff experienced a significant setback on Friday, February 28, when a coughing fit led to him inhaling vomit, raising concerns about a potential new infection. Despite this, the Vatican reported that by Sunday, March 2, Pope Francis no longer required mechanical ventilation, a key indicator that his respiratory function is improving.

The update highlighted that while the pope continues to rely on high-flow supplemental oxygen, he has stabilized after the alarming episode. Doctors described his prognosis as "guarded," signaling cautious optimism but acknowledging he is not yet fully out of danger. Throughout Sunday, Francis remained alert, attending Mass, resting, and praying. He also received visits from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and another senior official, reflecting ongoing support from Church leadership.