Pope Francis, who has been unwell, was recently spotted after encountering significant breathing issues and requiring a ventilator during his hospital stay. The Pontiff made his first public appearance since the ordeal.
Francis was first rushed to Rome‘s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, where he has remained ever since.
The Vatican shared a heartwarming image of the Pope celebrating Holy Mass.
A social media update informed followers that “#PopeFrancis participated in the Holy Mass held in the apartment chapel on the tenth floor of Policlinico Gemelli this morning.”
In the latest health update, the Pope said he faces a “period of trial” and thanked well-wishers for their prayers.
The 88-year-old referred to Biblical passages and prayed for peace in “countries wounded by war”.
After getting taken to hospital in February, Francis was later diagnosed with double-lung pneumonia, and his condition has been up and down.
Last week, Francis released a short audio message in his native Spanish thanking people for their prayers.
The 30-second recording was shared with worshippers at the start of the evening Rosary prayer in St Peter’s Square on Thursday.
The great Pontiff’s faint, breathless voice gave a clue to the severity of his condition, shocking many who had spent weeks longing to hear from him.
The cardinal presiding over the touching moment told the crowd he had “beautiful news, a beautiful gift” to share before the clip played.
A pre-recording of the Pope said: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here.
“May God bless you and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you”.
The moved worshippers soon started to applaud the Pope’s bravery for speaking.
Rumours of Pope Francis’ resignation gained momentum amid his illness.
The Vatican has been firm in denying rumours that the Pope is considering a resignation.
However, French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, a potential candidate to succeed Francis, hinted during a media briefing that “any outcome is conceivable.”
Despite growing fears about his health, Francis has continued some of his work from his sickbed such as meeting with senior church members and conducting phone calls.
