In the photo released by the Vatican, Pope Francis can be seen praying at Rome’s Gemeri Hospital on Sunday. Via Vatican Press Hall/AP hidden caption
Toggle caption
Vatican Press Hall/via AP
Photos released by the Vatican on Sunday showed Pope Francis for the first time since he entered the hospital over a month ago due to a case of bronchitis.
Images published online by the Holy See Press Office show the Pope was sitting in a wheelchair in the private chapel at Gemeri Hospital in Rome.
Wearing a white cassock and purple stolen, Francis prayed in front of the chapel altar after celebrating Sunday morning Mass, the Vatican said.
His voice was heard, but Francis sent an audio message to his supporters in early March – except for his medical team and a close advisor, he has seen the Pope since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14th.
Francis went to the hospital with a case of bronchitis and developed several other diseases, including polymicrobial infections and double pneumonia. He is currently in a stable state, and doctors say he is responding well to treatment, especially physical therapy.
In the weekly Angelus prayers released by the Vatican on Sunday, Francis reflected on the “period of trial” in which he and others faced illness.
“Our bodies are weak, but nothing prevents us from giving ourselves this love, praying, giving ourselves, and being a glorious sign of hope of faith,” he said.
