The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis in over a month, showing him co-celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel, reports Breaking News.
The image, taken from behind, captures the pope seated in a wheelchair in front of an altar, wearing a purple Lenten liturgical vestment.
According to the Vatican, he was taking part in the Mass alongside other priests, though no one else is visible in the picture, reports Breaking News.
This marks the first public photograph of Pope Francis since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with severe bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia.
It is also the first confirmation from the Vatican that the pope has participated in a Mass during the past month.
There were no visible signs of the supplemental oxygen mentioned in previous medical updates, reports Breaking News.
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Doctors stated this week that while the pope was no longer in a critical or life-threatening condition, his health remains complicated due to his age, limited mobility, and the removal of part of a lung when he was younger.
On March 6, in an audio recording, the pope spoke with a strained voice as he expressed gratitude to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for their prayers, reports Breaking News.
His condition has shown gradual improvement over the past week, leading the Vatican to reduce the frequency of its medical updates. An X-ray taken this week confirmed that the infection is clearing.
In the latest bulletin on Saturday, doctors indicated they were working to lessen the pope’s reliance on a non-invasive ventilation mask at night to help strengthen his lungs, reports Breaking News.
During the day, he has continued to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube—though no such device is visible in the released photograph.
Earlier, outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, dozens of children carrying yellow and white balloons—many from war-affected regions—gathered to show their support for Francis, reports Breaking News.
While the pope did not make an appearance from the 10th-floor hospital suite windows, he acknowledged their presence and thanked them during his traditional Sunday blessing.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” the pontiff said in the Angelus text prepared for the traditional prayer but not delivered live again. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,” Francis said, reports Breaking News.
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