Pope Francis, 88, has shown signs of stabilization after experiencing two respiratory crises in his ongoing battle against double pneumonia. The Vatican reported that he has been taken off noninvasive mechanical ventilation and is now receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen. He woke up on Tuesday and resumed respiratory physiotherapy after a night of rest.
As of Tuesday morning, Francis no longer requires the mechanical ventilation mask and is only receiving supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube. He had to briefly use the mask again on Monday following the respiratory crises, during which doctors performed bronchoscopies to remove excess mucus from his lungs.
