Vatican posted the first photo of Pope Francis during a month-long hospital stay

Vatican posted its first photo on Sunday Pope for more than a monthshowing Pope Francis a purple Lenten liturgical costume sitting in a wheelchair in front of the altar of the hospital church.

The Vatican said he is attending the Mass celebration with other pastors. No one else is visible in the photo. This is the first photo of the Pope He was hospitalized on February 14 Suffering from severe bronchitis, the development of bipneumonia. This is also the first time the Vatican mentioned that the Pope celebrated Mass during this period.

Children’s Pope Prayer

Earlier, dozens of children gathered yellow and white balloons (many from war-torn countries) outside the Jegilly Hospital in Rome and greeted Pope Francis during his fifth Sunday hospital. While the Pope did not show up from the 10th floor window suite, he thanked them and acknowledged their presence in the traditional Sunday blessing.

“I know many kids are praying for me; today, some kids are here as a sign of intimacy,” Pontiff said in Angelus’ text, preparing for traditional prayers, but did not broadcast live again. “Thank you, dear children! The Pope loves you and is always waiting for you to see you,” said Francis.

Reverend Enzo Fortunato, the chairman of the World Children’s Day Religious Council, which organized the event, said gathering with parents was a form of psychiatric medicine for the 88-year-old pope. He called it “the most beautiful caress”.

Fornato said: “The children represent the symbolic drug of Pope Francis. Let him know that there are many children here to cheer him on.””

A small group of children’s balloons representing the color of the Vatican flag, briefly entering the hospital, leaving behind Francis’ drawings, information and flowers. Many children come from poor Italian regions or countries affected by war, and some come to Italy through humanitarian corridors established by the San Cidio charity agreed with the Italian government. Others are from Ukraine, Gaza, South America and Africa.

One of them is Anastasia, 12, who wakes up at 5 a.m. and sets out from Naples, hoping to pass the message directly to the Pope. “I wrote, ‘Pope Francis, get healthy and get home soon.’ “We love you and all the children are praying for you.” ”

“The Pope of the Children”

Andrea Iacomini, spokesman for the Italian UNICEF, said that in addition to showing feelings for the pope, the group wanted to say “enough conflicts” that affected 500 million children in 59 countries.

“This pope is not only a religious leader, but also a great leader in the world. A peaceful man. This pope is the pope of the child,” said Iaconi.

Francis usually offers Angelus from windows overlooking St. Peter’s Square to gather loyalists, who grew a lot due to the Jubilee that Francis launched in December.

Francis said in his written text that he was thinking about others and that those who like him were vulnerable. “We are weak, but even so, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, giving, and showing one another, faith, shining hope,” the pope said.

In addition to those who stopped in St. Peter’s Basilica seeking indulgence, passing through the Holy Gate of the Cathedral, the pilgrims now add a stop on the train 15 minutes from the Vatican.

The Pope’s situation is still complicated

Doctors said this week that the pope is no longer in a serious life-threatening situation, but they continued to stress that his condition remains complicated due to his age, insufficient mobility and loss of lungs in young people.

Nevertheless, as the pope has been on an upward trajectory, they are still making fewer medical announcements. This week’s X-ray test confirmed that the infection is being cleared.

Francis has never seen it publicly since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after a bronchitis, making it difficult for him to speak out. Doctors quickly increased the diagnosis of bipneumonia and most pneumonia (bacterial, viral and fungal) infections.

His first three weeks of hospitalization were marked with a roller coaster of setbacks, including a respiratory crisis, mild renal failure and severe cough.

Doctors said in Saturday’s latest medical update that they are working to reduce the pope’s nighttime dependence on non-invasive ventilation masks, which will make his lungs work more.

In his first medical update in three days on Saturday, the Vatican said that despite the stable condition of the pope, he still needed hospitalization and physical and respiratory therapy, which “showed further gradual improvement.”

The Vatican said the next update will not be released until mid-week.