The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since the Pope's hospitalization on February 14. According to the press service of the Holy See, the photo was taken in a home chapel located in a room next to his ward at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
As specified, the 88-year-old pontiff, who is being treated for a complicated form of pneumonia, participated in the morning service. In the photo, he is dressed in appropriate clothing for the service and without the nasal tubes through which Francis receives oxygen throughout the day.
His condition is constantly improving, but he must continue therapy in a hospital setting. It was previously noted that his recovery takes time. He has been receiving non-invasive ventilation at night.
Since being hospitalized, Francis has not been seen by anyone except medical staff, his closest aides, and has also been visited several times by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and his deputy. She was initially visited by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Since then, Francis has had four respiratory attacks requiring resuscitation.
More than a week ago, he recorded a short audio message that was broadcast in St. Peter's Square during a prayer for his recovery. The traditional Sunday sermons are distributed in written form in mid-February. On March 16, Francis said in a statement that he was "going through a period of testing."