Vatican City – On Sunday, the Vatican released the first photograph of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized over a month ago for pneumonia affecting both of his lungs.
The image shows the 88-year-old pontiff sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a white robe and a purple shawl, with a simple altar and crucifix behind him. His face is partially obscured as he gazes downward, but his eyes are open.
The Vatican press office noted that the pope participated in concelebrating Mass in the chapel of his apartment on the tenth floor of Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic. Concelebration involves senior clerics jointly celebrating Mass.
This photo marks a significant moment as the pope has not been seen in public since his hospitalization on February 14. His condition was considered critical for several weeks, but reports from the Vatican show that his health has steadily improved in recent days.
On Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis’ condition remained stable, though he still required ongoing therapy at the hospital.
Earlier on Sunday, in a message to the faithful, the pope acknowledged his “fragile” state and described the current period as a trial for him.
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