The Vatican has published Pope Francis’ first image since he was admitted to the hospital a month ago.
The photo shows a clergyman sitting in a wheelchair in front of the altar in the chapel of Gemeri Hospital in Rome. He is recovering from pneumonia.
Earlier on Sunday, in his written message from Angelus, the Pope said he faced a “period of trial” as he thanked the wealthy people for their prayers and prayed for peace in the “country wounded by war.”
It continued on the fifth Sunday, continuing that the Pope had not existed directly for his weekly blessings. The Vatican said earlier this week that x-rays confirmed that he “improves” his condition, but he still needs hospital treatment.
“The Holy Father still needs medical therapy, exercise and respiratory physiotherapy in the hospital,” he said in a statement Saturday, adding that “it shows even more progressive improvement.”
Pope Francis, 88, has not been seen publicly since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14th. No photos were released until Sunday.
“I will join with many sick brothers and sisters, and at this time I am as fragile as I am,” the Pope said in his latest statement.
“Let’s continue praying for peace, especially in countries that have been wounded in the war. Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Since arriving at Gemeri Hospital in Rome, the Pope has been treated for double pneumonia and other infectious diseases.
He also suffers from several respiratory crises, which raises concerns about his survival.
Earlier this month, an audio recording of Pope Francis speaking in his native Spanish was performed at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
His voice was breathless as he was grateful for the prayers of the Catholic faithful.
Born in Jorge Mario Bergolio, Francis was America’s first pope.
He signed Pleurisy as a young man and partial lung removal made him particularly vulnerable to pneumonia.
As a result of the long road to recovery, there was speculation that Pope Francis could choose to follow his predecessor, Benedict XVI, when he resigned from the Pope.
However, friends and biographers close to the Pope claim that he has no plans to resign. And despite his fragile health, the Pope continues his job from the hospital.
This year is the Holy Year of Catholicism, with 32 million pilgrims set to travel to Rome.
