Pope Francis, 88, is receiving near-constant supplemental oxygen as he battles severe pneumonia, sources familiar with his condition have revealed.
The pontiff requires mechanical ventilation through a breathing mask at night and oxygen via nasal tubes during the day. However, those close to him stress that he is not on artificial ventilation.
According to the Holy See, Pope Francis spent the previous night in the hospital without any new complications. He has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for nearly three weeks.
During his stay, he has suffered at least four episodes of respiratory insufficiency, some accompanied by cramps and vomiting, prompting doctors to administer mechanical ventilation during the day as well.
The Vatican has not provided further details on his current condition, and doctors have refrained from making a prognosis about the progression of his illness.
