The Holy See, the central body responsible for the Catholic Church, released the new picture showing the Pope participating in Mass in the chapel in his suite at the Gemelli hospital in Rome
The Pope has been pictured for the first time since he was hospitalised nearly a month ago.
The Holy See released a photo showing the elderly head of the Catholic Church, 88, sitting in a chair while participating on Mass at his Rome hospital. Francis was pictured celebrating Sunday Mass from the chapel of his suite on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital in the image released by The Holy See Press Office.
Francis has been in hospital since February 14 fighting double pneumonia. His condition has now stabilised but he is continuing with respiratory and motor therapy, but it is unclear when he will leave. The picture follows a statement released via the Holy See in which the Pope thanked people for their prayers and said he faces a “period of trial”.
He said in the statement on Saturday: “I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me. Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Today marked the fifth Sunday in a row the Pope was unable to attend his weekly blessing in person, and after the Vatican said X-rays confirmed “improvements” in his condition. While it has cautioned his still requires treatment, the Vatican said in a separate statement that his treatments show “gradual improvements”.
The Vatican said: “The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements.” The Pope is reducing his use of mechanical ventilation at night to aid his breathing, the statement added.
Doctors had emphasised earlier this week that the Pope’s condition was complex due to his advanced age, lack of mobility, and his having lost part of a lung when he was younger. The picture and positive developments follows a series of setbacks in February and early March that caused an international news rollercoaster.
He experienced a series of respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and a severe coughing fit early on. But they have failed to douse the head of the Catholic church’s spirit, as he has continued to work through his hospitalisation. During his stay at Gemelli, he approved a process laying the groundwork for a reform project aiming to make the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming and responsive.
