The Vatican released the first photograph of Pope Francis in over a month on Sunday, showing him from behind in a wheelchair wearing a purple stole while sitting in a wheelchair, co-celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel.
The Vatican confirmed his participation in the Mass celebration with other priests, though no other individuals were visible in the image. This marks the first photograph since his February 14 hospitalisation for severe bronchitis, which progressed to double pneumonia.
It also represents the first mention by the Vatican of the pope’s participation in Mass during this period. Although the Pope did not appear from the 10th-floor window, he acknowledged the crowd and thanked them during the 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, the Associated Press reported.
“Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,’’ he added.
The Vatican also shared images of children holding yellow and white balloons—many from war-torn countries—gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to greet Pope Francis on his fifth Sunday there. Some children, bearing balloons in Vatican flag colours, briefly entered the hospital to deliver their artwork, messages and flowers for Francis.
The children represented diverse backgrounds, including those from disadvantaged Italian areas and war-affected nations. Some arrived through humanitarian corridors established by Sant’Egidio charity and the Italian government from Afghanistan and Syria, whilst others came from Ukraine, Gaza, South America and Africa, the Associated Press reported.
Francis traditionally delivers the Angelus from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where crowds have increased due to the Jubilee year he initiated in December.
In his written message, Francis expressed solidarity with others in vulnerable conditions. “Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope,” the Pope said.
Saturday’s medical update indicated efforts to reduce the Pope’s night-time dependence on non-invasive ventilation, aiming to improve lung function.
Doctors confirmed the Pope’s stable condition whilst emphasising the need for continued hospitalisation, treatment and therapy. The Vatican’s Saturday statement, their first update in three days, noted “further gradual improvements” in his physical and respiratory therapy.
