The Vatican has recently shared the first photo of Pope Francis in over a month. The image depicts him sitting in a wheelchair in the hospital chapel, wearing purple Lenten liturgical vestments in front of an altar. He was taking part in the celebration of Mass along with other priests, as stated by the Vatican. The photo shows only the Pope, with no one else visible in the frame.
“This pope is not just a religious leader, he is a great global leader. A man of peace. This pope is pope of the children.” Iacomini said.
This photograph is significant as it is the first public image of the Pope since his hospitalization on February 14 due to severe bronchitis that progressed into double pneumonia. Additionally, it is also the first instance where the Vatican has mentioned his participation in a Mass during this period. The Pope has been recuperating in the hospital, and this image serves as a reassuring update on his health and activities.
Furthermore, Andrea Iacomini, the UNICEF spokesperson in Italy, expressed that showcasing affection for the Pope was essential, along with sending a message of “enough” regarding conflicts affecting 500 million children across 59 countries. Pope Francis often addresses the faithful during the Angelus, but due to his current health condition, he shared a written message emphasizing solidarity and love for one another, particularly those facing vulnerability. He highlighted the importance of continuing to spread hope and faith despite physical limitations.
Along with a stop at St Peter’s to seek indulgences by walking through the basilica’s Holy Door, pilgrims are now also adding a stop at Gemelli, a 15-minute train ride from the Vatican.
Pope’s condition remains complex
Doctors this week said the pontiff was no longer in critical, life-threatening condition, but they have continued to emphasise that his condition remained complex due to his age, lack of mobility and the loss of part of a lung as a young man.
Still, they are issuing fewer medical bulletins as the pontiff has been on an upward trajectory. An X-ray this week confirmed that the infection was clearing.
Francis has not been seen publicly since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis that made it difficult for him to speak. Doctors soon added a diagnosis of double pneumonia and a polymicrobial (bacterial, viral and fungal) infection.
The first three weeks of his hospitaliaation were marked by a rollercoaster of setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure and a severe coughing fit.
Doctors in the most recent medical update on Saturday said they were working to reduce the pope’s nighttime reliance on the non-invasive ventilation mask, which will allow his lungs to work more.
Doctors underlined that while the pope’s condition is stable, he still requires hospitalization for treatment along with physical and respiratory therapy, which are “showing further gradual improvements,” the Vatican said Saturday in the first medical update in three days.
The next update won’t be issued until mid-week, the Vatican said.
