The 88-year-old bishop continues his Pope’s duties despite his illness and has approved long-term church reforms from his hospital room.
The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ first photos since the 88-year-old was admitted to hospital last month due to dual pneumonia.
The photo, released on Sunday, shows Francis from behind facing the altar after celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel.
The Pope entered Gemeri Hospital in Rome on February 14th, and was hit by a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatment. He has not been seen in public ever since.
The Pope, who has been receiving oxygen throughout his treatment, appears to be breathing himself in the photo.
Journalists and loyalists have been seeking the image of the Pope as the last image of Francis was published more than a month ago, according to a Vatican news report.
Since his hospitalization, the only other sign of the Pope was released on March 6th, and we could hear the tired Francis thanking all those praying for his recovery.
Regarding his health, the report says, “The situation remains stable,” but it is still within the scope of a “complex clinical picture.”
Doctors said this week that Francis is no longer life-threatening. However, they continue to emphasize that his condition remains complicated by his age, lack of mobility and loss of some of his lungs as a youth.
Still, the Pope continues to carry out his duties. On Saturday, he approved a three-year implementation and evaluation process for a reform project aimed at making the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming and responding. The Vatican’s office has released schedules and implemented reforms through 2028, with Francis approved the calendar last week.
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