- The Vatican released a photo of the Pope Gemelli Hospital
- The Pope is showing gradual improvement
- The Pope called for prayers for peace in war-torn countries
The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization a month ago.
The image shows the Pope sitting in a wheelchair before an altar in a chapel at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from pneumonia.
Earlier on Sunday, in his written Angelus message, the Pope spoke of enduring a “period of trial” and expressed gratitude for the prayers of well-wishers. He also prayed for peace in “countries wounded by war.”
This marks the fifth consecutive Sunday the Pope has been absent from his weekly blessing. The Vatican had previously stated that an X-ray revealed “improvements” in his health, though he still requires medical care.
“The Holy Father still requires hospital treatment, including motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” the Vatican said in a Saturday statement, adding that progress is being made, albeit gradually.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis has not been seen publicly since his hospitalization on February 14. No photographs had been shared until Sunday.
In his message earlier in the day, the Pope expressed solidarity with others who are sick, saying, “I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.”
He continued by calling for prayers for peace, especially in war-torn countries such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Since his admission to Gemelli Hospital, the Pope has been treated for double pneumonia and other infections, alongside multiple respiratory crises that have sparked concerns about his health.
Earlier this month, an audio message of the Pope speaking in Spanish was played in St. Peter’s Square, where his breathlessness was evident as he thanked the faithful for their prayers.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first Pope from the Americas. As a young man, he contracted pleurisy and had part of his lung removed, making him especially susceptible to pneumonia.
Given his prolonged recovery, there has been speculation that Pope Francis might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, and resign. However, those close to him, including friends and biographers, have insisted that he has no plans to step down. Despite his health challenges, the Pope has continued his duties from the hospital.
This year marks a Catholic Holy Year, with 32 million pilgrims expected to visit Rome.
