The Vatican has unveiled the first image of Pope Francis in over a month on Sunday. The photograph portrays the pontiff donning purple Lenten liturgical vestments while sitting in a wheelchair within a hospital chapel. This appearance marks a significant moment as it is the first visual update since Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to a severe bronchitis case that progressed into double pneumonia. Moreover, this instance is noted as the first where the Vatican acknowledged the pope’s involvement in a Mass celebration during his hospitalization period.
Earlier, a group of children carrying yellow and white balloons gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital to extend their greetings to Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for the fifth consecutive Sunday. Although the pope did not make an appearance at the windows of his 10th-floor suite, he conveyed his gratitude and acknowledgment during the traditional Sunday blessing. In a pre-written text for the Angelus, he expressed appreciation to the children who prayed for him and visited the hospital to show their support. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,” he remarked.
The event was organized by Rev. Enzo Fortunato, the president of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day. He described the children’s gathering as a form of “spiritual medicine” for the 88-year-old pontiff, labeling it “the most beautiful caress.” The children’s presence was seen as symbolic support, uplifting the pope’s spirits. Some children even briefly entered the hospital to leave handmade drawings, messages, and flowers for Pope Francis. Many of these children hailed from disadvantaged areas across Italy or countries ravaged by war, brought to Italy via humanitarian corridors. Among them was a twelve-year-old from Naples named Anastasia, who traveled early in hopes of delivering her message of well-being directly to the pope.
Andrea Iacomini, a UNICEF spokesperson in Italy, highlighted that while the gesture showed affection for Pope Francis, it also served as a call to action against conflicts affecting approximately 500 million children in 59 countries. He emphasized Pope Francis’s role as not only a religious leader but also a global peacemaker and a “pope of the children.” Traditionally, Pope Francis delivers the Angelus address to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, which have grown due to the Jubilee year he commenced in December. Despite his limited capacity, the pope continues to extend thoughts toward others in fragile states, encouraging love, prayer, and hope giving even amidst physical frailty.
Visitors to the Vatican have added Gemelli hospital to their pilgrimage undeterred by the pontiff’s physical absence, often including the site alongside St. Peter’s Basilica. Despite recent improvements, Pope Francis’s condition remains intricate due to his age, reduced mobility, and the historical removal of part of his lung. Medical professionals report the stabilization of his condition even as the pontiff successfully battles a polymicrobial infection, and an X-ray confirmed the infection is receding.
Pope Francis has been out of the public eye since his hospitalization for bronchitis and subsequent complications. Following a turbulent recovery period characterized by respiratory challenges and mild kidney issues, the pope’s health shows signs of gradual improvement. Efforts are ongoing to decrease his reliance on nighttime respiratory aids, indicating an upward trajectory in his recovery, according to the latest medical update. While stable, the pope remains hospitalized for necessary treatment and therapies. The Vatican announced that further medical updates are scheduled for mid-week.
