The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis since his hospitalization last month for double pneumonia, as per Al Jazeera.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection and has not been seen in public since.
The photo, published on Sunday, shows Pope Francis from behind, facing an altar in a chapel at the hospital after celebrating mass. The publication comes amidst growing calls from journalists and the faithful for visual updates on the Pope’s condition. The last image of Francis had been released over a month ago.
While the Pope has been receiving oxygen therapy during his treatment, he appears to be breathing independently in the newly released photo.
Prior to this image, the only other communication from the Pope since his hospitalization was an audio message released on March 6th, in which a fatigued Francis thanked those who have been praying for his recovery.
According to a Vatican News report, the Pope’s condition remains “stable,” but within a “complex clinical picture.” Doctors have stated this week that Francis is no longer in a critical or life-threatening condition. However, they have consistently highlighted the complexity of his situation, citing his age, limited mobility, and the past removal of part of a lung.
Despite his ongoing recovery, Pope Francis continues to perform his duties. On Saturday, he approved a three-year implementation and evaluation process for a reform project aimed at making the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming and responsive. The Vatican office for the Synod of Bishops has released a timetable spanning through 2028 to implement these reforms, confirming that Francis approved the schedule last week.
