Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City and a figure synonymous with American resilience following the September 11th attacks, is showing signs of recovery after a recent health scare. His physician, Dr. Maria Ryan, told Fox News that Giuliani is now breathing on his own after being taken off a ventilator, a testament to his tenacity and the power of prayer. This positive development serves as a reminder of Giuliani's unwavering commitment to public service and his ability to overcome adversity.

Giuliani's health challenges began after returning from a trip to Paris, leading to severe breathing issues that required hospitalization and ventilation. Dr. Ryan reported that his condition became critical, prompting a priest to administer last rites. However, by Tuesday, Giuliani's condition had improved significantly, allowing doctors to remove him from the ventilator. He is now breathing independently and able to speak, though he remains in critical but stable condition. This remarkable turnaround reflects the strength of his character and the effectiveness of modern medical care.

"He’s a fighter — the way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him," Ryan told Fox News. "And all the prayers from around — it’s like a miracle. This guy’s got 9 lives, today he’s doing much better." This sentiment echoes the spirit of resilience that Giuliani embodied during his tenure as mayor, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. His leadership during that time was instrumental in uniting the city and the nation in the face of tragedy.

Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, shared a video on X, confirming that Giuliani is "breathing on his own" and remains in "critical but stable condition." Goodman also pointed to Giuliani's health history following the 9/11 attacks, when he was exposed to debris at Ground Zero, later leading to a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease. This exposure underscores the personal sacrifices Giuliani made in service to his city and the nation.

Giuliani's recent health challenges are not the first he has faced. In August 2025, he was seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire. Despite these setbacks, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public life, returning to work and continuing to appear publicly. This resilience is a testament to his character and unwavering dedication.

Giuliani's career has been marked by both public service and political engagement. As mayor of New York City, he implemented policies that reduced crime and revitalized the city. His leadership during 9/11 earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his place in American history. His later involvement in national politics has been met with both support and criticism, but his commitment to conservative principles remains steadfast.

Dr. Ryan noted that the improvement in Giuliani's condition marks a significant turning point in his recovery, though doctors will continue to monitor him closely. This positive development should be met with optimism and continued prayers for his full recovery. Giuliani's life and career serve as an inspiration to all Americans, demonstrating the importance of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to public service. His story is a reminder of the strength of the American spirit and the power of faith in overcoming adversity.

Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.