International

Pope Francis’ health continues to improve and he no longer needs mechanical ventilation at night

Pope Francis’ state of health continues to “improve” and the non-invasive mechanical ventilation he used at night at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he has been admitted for 34 days, has been suspended, the Vatican reported on Wednesday.

“It is confirmed that the clinical conditions of the Holy Father are improving,” it is indicated in the last medical report, in which it is also pointed out that the pope “suspended non-invasive mechanical ventilation and also reduced the need for high-flow oxygen therapy,” with nasal cannulas.

Likewise, “progress in motor and respiratory physiotherapy continues,” the statement said.

In its statement, the Vatican revealed that Francisco, 88 years old and who has been admitted to the Gemelli since February 14, concelebrated the mass this morning, on the feast of St. Joseph, in which Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries.

This Tuesday, Vatican sources had revealed that Francisco, 88 years old and with chronic respiratory problems, managed to sleep the night before in the hospital without resorting to non-invasive mechanical ventilation, that is, without the oxygen mask.

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This is a “good step” that must be interpreted with “prudence”, because their doctors insist that their clinical conditions are still “complex within stability,” they added.

Francisco is hospitalized because of bilateral pneumonia and, after going through four difficult crises during his hospitalization, in recent weeks he has experienced a slow and gradual improvement and is no longer in “imminent danger.”

Given the “stability” of the pope, the Gemelli doctors have decided to report after several days, when they can give more details, and the previous medical report dates back to last Saturday, when it was indicated that “the clinical conditions of the Holy Father remain stable, confirming the outstanding evolution in the last week.”

He added that although Francisco “stils requires hospital medical treatment, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” “he shows additional and gradual improvements.”

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International

UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions

The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.

According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.

Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.

The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.

“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.

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While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.

To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.

Central America

El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program

The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.

Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.

The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.

According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.

In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.

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International

Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela

Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.

In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.

“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.

For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.