Pope Francis Seen Breathing Unaided in First Hospital Photo Amid Pneumonia Treatment
VATICAN CITY — In a moment of reassurance for Catholics worldwide, the Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization for double pneumonia. The image, unveiled on Sunday, depicts the 88-year-old pontiff in what appears to be a state of unaided breathing, a positive sign amidst his ongoing recovery. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, grappling with a severe respiratory infection that has necessitated evolving treatment protocols.
The photograph offers a glimpse of Pope Francis from behind, positioned before the altar within the hospital’s chapel. The partial view of his face and the placement of his right hand on his lap contribute to the overall impression of quietude. Significantly, the image suggests that he is not currently relying on the supplementary oxygen that has been a part of his treatment regimen since his admittance.
The Vatican has confirmed that the photograph was captured on Sunday during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, alongside other priests, within the chapel. This act of celebrating Mass, even from a hospital setting, underscores the Pope’s unwavering dedication to his spiritual duties, despite his physical challenges.
Prior to the release of the image, the Vatican issued a medical update on Saturday, reporting that Pope Francis was experiencing gradual improvement. The update noted a reduction in his reliance on mechanical ventilation at night, a device used to assist his breathing. This suggests that his lungs are regaining their strength and functionality, allowing him to breathe more naturally.
While the Pope’s condition has been characterized as stable or improving for nearly two weeks, the Vatican has refrained from providing a definitive timeframe for his discharge from the hospital. The emphasis remains on a slow and steady recovery, acknowledging the complexities associated with his age and pre-existing medical conditions.
Pope Francis has a history of vulnerability to lung infections, stemming from a bout of pleurisy during his youth, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung. This pre-existing condition has likely complicated his current pneumonia diagnosis and prolonged his recovery process.
To aid his healing, Pope Francis has been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to improve his breathing capacity and physical therapy to enhance his mobility. The use of a wheelchair in recent years, due to knee and back pain, has added another layer of physical challenges to his recovery.
Despite his health difficulties, Pope Francis commemorated the 12th anniversary of his election as Pope while in the hospital on Thursday. This milestone underscores his enduring commitment to the papacy and his continued leadership of the Catholic Church.
Medical experts, not directly involved in the Pope’s care, have cautioned that he is likely to face a prolonged and arduous road to recovery, given his advanced age and the presence of other underlying medical conditions. The combination of factors necessitates a cautious approach to his treatment and a focus on long-term rehabilitation.
The Vatican’s announcement on Saturday that Pope Francis had approved a new three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church serves as a powerful testament to his intention to continue serving as Pope, despite his health struggles. The approval of this initiative, even from his hospital bed, reinforces his unwavering commitment to the future of the Church and his determination to lead it through a period of reflection and reform.
The decision to release the photograph of Pope Francis is a strategic move by the Vatican to provide reassurance to the faithful. By showcasing his ability to breathe unaided and to participate in religious activities, the Vatican aims to dispel any anxieties about his health and to project an image of hope and resilience.
The image of Pope Francis in the hospital chapel, even in its simplicity, carries a powerful message of faith, dedication, and unwavering spirit. It is a reminder that even in times of illness and adversity, the Pope remains a symbol of strength and a beacon of hope for the Catholic Church.
