Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has left the intensive care unit after a recovery one source close to his family described as "nothing short of a miracle."

The 81-year-old was hospitalized last weekend at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, suffering from severe respiratory distress, which doctors diagnosed as double pneumonia. The condition proved life-threatening, complicated by restrictive airway disease linked to his exposure at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Giuliani required intubation and a ventilator to breathe.

His primary care provider, Dr. Maria Ryan, said a priest administered last rites during his hospitalization. The situation was touch-and-go over the weekend, according to a source close to his family. However, Giuliani began breathing on his own by Monday, and his improvement accelerated in the days since.

Spokesman Ted Goodman described Giuliani as "the ultimate fighter" who is "winning this battle." Goodman confirmed the pneumonia diagnosis and thanked supporters for their prayers. Giuliani had appeared hoarse during his Friday night podcast, "America's Mayor Live," from Palm Beach, noting his voice was under the weather.

President Donald Trump, a longtime ally, posted on Truth Social about Giuliani's critical condition earlier in the week, calling him "a True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR."

The source said Giuliani is anxious to return to the media circuit defending Trump once doctors clear him. He remains under observation and could be discharged soon. Friends and political associates expressed relief at the positive turn.