The Vatican has released the first photo of the Pope in a month, showing Francis celebrating Mass in a chapel at a hospital.
The photo is taken from behind, showing Pope Francis in purple Lenten vestments, sitting in a wheelchair in front of the altar.
The Vatican said he was attending the Mass with other clergy. No one else is visible in the image.
This is the first photo of the Pope since he was hospitalized on February 14 with a serious case of bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia.
It is also the first time the Vatican has mentioned the Pope attending Mass in the past month.
There were no obvious signs that he needed supplemental oxygen, as reported in medical reports.
Doctors said this week that the pontiff's condition was no longer critical or life-threatening, but continued to stress that his condition remains complex due to his age, limited mobility and the loss of part of a lung in his youth.
In an audio recording released on March 6, the Pope spoke with difficulty as he expressed gratitude to the faithful in St. Peter's Square for their prayers.
His condition has gradually improved over the past week, prompting the Vatican to suspend morning updates and issue less frequent medical reports. X-rays this week confirmed the infection is receding.
In the latest report, released Saturday, doctors said they were working to reduce the dad's reliance on a non-invasive ventilation mask at night, which would allow his lungs to function more efficiently.
Throughout the day he continued to receive powerful supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube, although no such equipment was visible in the photograph.
Earlier, dozens of children carrying yellow and white balloons – many from war-torn countries – gathered outside Rome's Gemelli hospital to greet Francis.
Although the Pope did not emerge from the 10th-floor windows, he thanked them and acknowledged their presence in 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 text of the Angelus prayer prepared for the traditional prayer but not delivered live on air.
“Thank you, dear children! The Pope loves you and always looks forward to meeting you,” Francis said.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
