Pope Francis Shares First Photo Since Hospitalization Amid Health Updates

The Vatican has unveiled the first photograph of Pope Francis since he was admitted to the hospital over a month ago for pneumonia affecting both lungs. In the image, the 88-year-old pontiff is seen seated in a wheelchair, dressed in a white robe and purple shawl, positioned in front of a simple altar adorned with a crucifix. The shot is taken from behind his right side, obscuring part of his face, but it captures him with his eyes open, gazing downwards.

This was a significant moment, as the Pope had not been seen in public since his hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on February 14. For several weeks, medical reports indicated that he had been in critical condition. Fortunately, he has shown gradual improvement over the past week. A medical bulletin issued on Saturday confirmed that his condition remains stable, with ongoing therapy still required from the hospital.

On Sunday, the Pope communicated with the faithful through an Angelus message, where he touched on his health situation. He described himself as fragile and acknowledged the challenging period he is enduring. This candid update comes as both a comfort and a reminder of the pontiff's ongoing battle with health issues, evoking concern and prayers from followers around the world.

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