The Vatican has unveiled the first photograph of Pope Francis following his hospitalization a month ago. The image captures the pontiff seated in a wheelchair before an altar at a chapel in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from pneumonia.
On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to supporters through his written Angelus message, describing his current situation as a “period of trial.” He also took the opportunity to pray for peace in regions afflicted by conflict, emphasizing his solidarity with those suffering around the world.
Pope’s Recovery Progress and Public Absence
This marks the fifth consecutive Sunday that Pope Francis has been absent from his usual public blessing. In a statement released earlier this week, the Vatican announced that an X-ray had confirmed “improvements” in his health, although he still requires ongoing medical care.
The statement highlighted, “The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” adding that these treatments are “showing further, gradual improvements.” At 88 years old, Pope Francis has not been seen in public since his admission to the hospital on February 14, and until today, no images of him had been made public.
“I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,”
the Pope remarked in his recent address. He called for prayers for global peace, specifically mentioning countries such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which are suffering from war.
Health Concerns and Speculations
Since arriving at Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis has been treated for double pneumonia and various infections, experiencing several respiratory crises that have sparked worries regarding his health. Earlier this month, an audio recording 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.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as Pope Francis, is the first pontiff from the Americas. Having experienced pleurisy in his youth and undergoing a partial lung removal, he remains particularly susceptible to pneumonia. This ongoing health challenge has led to speculation about his possible resignation, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, close friends and biographers have firmly stated that the Pope has no intentions of stepping down.
Despite his fragile health, Pope Francis has continued his papal duties from the hospital. This year is especially significant for the Catholic Church, with a Holy Year anticipated to attract 32 million pilgrims visiting Rome.