A glimpse of frail Pope Francis: Vatican shares first image after his hospitalization
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Vatican releases initial image of ailing Pope Francis. - Vatican Releases Initial Image of Pope Francis Ailing
The Vatican has shared the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization over a month ago, showcasing the 88-year-old pontiff seated in a wheelchair. The picture captures him attired in a white cassock and purple scarf, gazing downwards with only a slight glimpse of his eyes. No head covering is seen in the photograph.
The pope's morning mass conducted in the tenth-floor chapel of Gemelli Hospital in Rome was the subject of the Vatican press office's recent statement regarding the image's release. This significant move comes as Pope Francis has not been publicly visible since his hospitalization.
The pontiff had been admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, battling bronchitis that eventually evolved into a bilateral pneumonia. His health took a turn for the worse, with multiple severe breathing crises and intubation, causing his doctors to express concerns about his life's fragility[2].
Pope Francis visits hospital chapel
The Vatican has been providing regular health updates, stating that the pope has been improving for about a week. Reports suggest he is stable and making progress. However, he still requires ongoing physical therapy and breathing assistance[3].
In a morning message to the faithful, Pope Francis acknowledged his fragile condition and ongoing trial[4].
- Pope Francis
- Pope
- Vatican
- Gemelli Hospital
[1] Information on the complex nature of the Holy Father's health due to age and previous health issues (including loss of a part of one lung) can be found here.
[2] Details on Pope Francis's severe health crises can be found here.
[3] Updates on the pontiff's ongoing need for physical therapy and breathing assistance can be found here.
[4] The pope's acknowledgment of his trial can be found here.
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for over a month due to bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia, was seen by the press for the first time since his admission, as the Vatican shared a photo of the pontiff attended in a white cassock and purple scarf, seated in a wheelchair.
The pope, now 88 years old, was captured in the photograph looking downwards with only a slight glimpse of his eyes, as no head covering was seen in the picture.
Despite the pope's health struggles and the ongoing need for physical therapy and breathing assistance, the Vatican has reported that he has been improving for about a week and is stable, marking a positive sign from the Vatican press office.
