The Vatican has shared the first photograph of Pope Francis since the 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized over a month ago for pneumonia affecting both lungs.
The image captures Pope Francis, who is bare-headed and seated in a wheelchair, adorned in his signature white robe and purple shawl, positioned in front of a modest altar featuring a crucifix on the wall. While the photo, taken from behind his right side, doesn’t reveal his full face, his eyes are open, and he gazes downward.
“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic,” stated the Vatican press office in the photograph’s caption.
The release of this photo carries great significance, as Pope Francis has not been seen publicly since being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for pneumonia, which doctors initially deemed critical.
Fortunately, the pontiff has shown steady improvement over the past week. In a recent medical bulletin, the Vatican announced that his condition remains stable; however, he will continue to receive therapy in the hospital.
Experts not involved in the pope’s care indicate that, given his age and other medical conditions, Pope Francis may face a prolonged and challenging recovery process. Reflecting on his own experience, the pope has previously acknowledged his fragility, noting, “I am facing a period of trial.” He expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers during his hospitalization.
In a heartfelt message shared by the Vatican, Pope Francis addressed the faithful while again missing the traditional Angelus prayer, which he typically delivers to the public in St. Peter’s Square. “I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” he wrote.
He further emphasized the resilience of the human spirit by saying, “Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.” This marks the fifth occasion where the pope’s health has hindered him from delivering the Angelus prayer in person.
Last week, the Vatican had reported that the Argentine pontiff was no longer in a critical condition after a series of breathing crises during his hospital stay had raised concerns for his life.
Outside the Gemelli University Hospital, children holding white and yellow balloons gathered to show their support for Pope Francis. The Vatican reported that his condition remains stable and shows progress, although he still requires therapies administered in the hospital. “The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor, and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies are currently showing further, gradual improvements,” the statement said.
This update appears to dispel speculation regarding the pope’s potential imminent release. In a recent message, which also called for peace in war-torn regions, Francis once again expressed gratitude to his caretakers and everyone praying for him. “How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed!” he acknowledged.
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized on the 10th floor—home to a special papal suite including a chapel—celebrated the 12th anniversary of his papacy this past Thursday from within the hospital. This morning, a group of children from a Catholic scout troop enthusiastically chanted, “Pope Francis, Pope Francis,” as they held up yellow and white balloons.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness,” Francis wrote in his message. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
