Vatican published first image of Pope Francis following his recent illness

The Vatican has shared the first photo of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized a month ago. Released on Sunday, March 16, the image shows the Pope in a wheelchair at an altar in a chapel at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is recovering from pneumonia. 

In his written Angelus message earlier that day, he mentioned going through a “period of trial” and expressed gratitude for the prayers he received, while also praying for peace in war-torn countries.

A few days prior, the Vatican announced that an X-ray showed “improvements” in his health, but he still requires hospital care.

According to a statement on Saturday, the Holy Father needs ongoing medical therapy, as well as motor and respiratory physiotherapy, which are showing gradual improvements.  

Pope Francis , 88 years old ,had not been seen in public since his hospital admission on February 14, and this was the first photo released since then.

The Pope expressed his solidarity with many brothers and sisters who are currently unwell, feeling fragile like himself, in a statement released earlier on Sunday.

He urged everyone to keep praying for peace, especially in war-torn countries such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Since being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, he has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia and other infections, facing several respiratory crises that have raised worries about his health.