The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis since the 88-year-old was admitted to hospital more than a month ago with pneumonia in both lungs
The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis in more than a month, showing the pontiff in a three-quarter view from behind wearing a purple stole typical of Lenten liturgical vestments and sitting in a wheelchair before the altar of his personal hospital chapel.
In an audio recording released March 6, the pope spoke in a feeble and labored voice as he thanked the faithful in St. Peter's Square for their prayers. Earlier Sunday, dozens of children - many from war-torn countries, and toting yellow and white balloons - gathered outside Rome's Gemelli hospital to greet Francis on his fifth Sunday hospitalised. While the pope did not appear from the 10th-floor suite of windows, he thanked them and acknowledged their presence in the traditional Sunday blessing.
"The children represent a symbolic medicine for Pope Francis," Fortunato said. "Letting him know that so many children are here for him cheers the heart." Andrea Iacomini, the spokesman for UNICEF in Italy, said besides demonstrating affection for the pope, the group also wanted to say "enough" to conflicts that are impacting 500 million children in 59 countries.
In the written text, Francis said he was thinking of others, who like him, are in a fragile state. "Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope," the pope said.
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