The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis in more than a month, showing the 88-year-old pontiff co-celebrating Mass in the chapel of his hospital suite. The image, taken from behind, captures the pope wearing a purple shawl and sitting in a wheelchair before an altar with a crucifix on the wall.
“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic,” the Vatican press office stated in the caption accompanying the photograph.
Pope Francis Acknowledges Fragility in Message from Hospital
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection and has not been seen in public since. In a heartfelt message on Sunday, the pontiff acknowledged his health struggles and expressed solidarity with those facing illness.
“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. Despite his physical weakness, the pope emphasized the power of faith, prayer, and mutual support.
Vatican Provides Health Update
The Vatican has assured the public that Pope Francis’ health is improving, although he continues to require medical therapy. “The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable, confirming the progress shown in the last week,” an official bulletin stated.
Doctors at Gemelli Hospital previously noted that the pope had experienced a critical period with breathing difficulties that threatened his life. While his condition has since stabilized, the Vatican has not specified when he might be discharged.
Sources By Agencies
