The Vatican has shared the initial picture of Pope Francis in the hospital following his 88th birthday as he commenced his stay there. treatment for double pneumonia .
The image posted on Sunday depicts the Pope from the rear, showcasing him wearing a purple stole as he sits in a wheelchair facing an altar.
This morning, Pope Francis participated in the Holy Mass at the chapel located on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic," stated the caption from the Vatican press office accompanying the image. Concelebration refers to the collective ritual performed by leading clergy members during the ceremony.
Earlier in the day, Pope Francis admitted his fragility and said he was "going through a testing time" as he expressed gratitude to those who sent him good wishes in a statement from the clinic, where he has been gradually recuperating from pneumonia.
The Pope, now 88 years old, has faced various challenges alongside phases of better health since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14. In his message to the believers, he conveyed a deeply personal sentiment that touched upon both his spiritual beliefs and his physical vulnerability.
"I share these reflections with you during my time of trials, as I stand alongside numerous brothers and sisters who are unwell and vulnerable just like myself," stated the Pope in the message released by the Vatican.
Our bodies may be frail, yet despite this, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, surrendering ourselves, and supporting one another with unwavering faith, becoming luminous symbols of hope," remarked the Argentine pope in his message commemorating the second Sunday of Lent—a 40-day time frame dedicated to prayer and contemplation before Easter.
For the fifth consecutive time, the pope’s health condition stopped him from delivering the Angelus prayer himself. This prayer is typically recited for crowds assembled in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square after Sunday Mass.
Despite Pope Francis not having shown up at the window of his papal suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital as of yet, many devoted supporters continue to gather, featuring performances like tango dancers and numerous groups of children on Sunday.
Amidst grey skies, roughly a dozen couples dressed in regular attire performed the tango before a crowd of cameras, while the Argentine pope was recovering indoors.
"Regarding this tango performance, he needs to be let go," exclaimed dancer Daiana Guspero, 38, who, similar to the pope, originated from Buenos Aires.
"I wish for him to sense our vitality, our affection for tango and for an Argentinian pope," she said to AFP.
Previously, a troop of young Boy Scouts from a Catholic organization gathered at the base of a statue dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II near the hospital entrance. They held yellow and white balloons and attempted unsuccessfully to get a look at the pontiff.
You spot the pope right there!" exclaimed one of them excitedly, but was quickly corrected by their group leader, Valerio Santobonio, aged 23: "I don't believe that's him.
Santobonio informed AFP that the children aged between five and seven do not fully understand who the pope is or his current state of health.
However, their visit was "akin to offering them a glimpse into a broader spectrum of Christian living," according to Santobonio.
Andrea Lacomini of UNICEF mentioned that several kids came from a poor village close to Naples early in the morning with a letter for Francis; this trip was arranged by their organization.
"He has a deep affection for children; he's like their pope, so everyone is anticipating his arrival. We're confident things will improve," Lacomini stated to AFP.
“There’s a need for a significant leader such as him since there aren’t numerous heroes in the world today,” he further stated.
He is the sole individual who speaks about peace.
Even though he didn't show up at the window, Francis greeted his youngest well-wishers in his message.
"I am aware that numerous children are praying for me; some of them visited 'Gemelli' today to demonstrate their support," Francis wrote.
Thank you, beloved children! The pope has love for you and is constantly ready to welcome you.
A week ago, the Vatican indicated that Francis was no longer in imminent danger following several respiratory issues earlier during his hospital stay, which had raised concerns about the Jesuit's well-being.
On Saturday, the Vatican reported that his condition remained stable and was progressing, though they also warned that he would still require treatments provided in the hospital environment.
“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements,” it said.
The most sacred time in the Christian calendar
The message seemed to put an end to rumors suggesting that the Pope's movement might indicate an upcoming discharge from the hospital.
Even though the Vatican mentioned that he continues to work from his hospital room whenever possible, Pope Francis’s absence is notably missed as Easter draws near, with this significant religious occasion only five weeks ahead in the Christian calendar.
The leader of the approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide typically oversees an extensive schedule of activities during this time, which includes a Good Friday procession in the evening and an Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by tens of thousands of believers.
In his written address on Sunday—which likewise urged for peace in conflict-ridden nations such as Ukraine, Myanmar, and Sudan—Francis took the opportunity to express gratitude once more towards his caregivers and all those who have been praying for him.
"How brightly does light shine, in this regard, within hospitals and areas of caregiving! With what warmth and tenderness do these spaces—rooms, hallways, clinics, and even those where the most modest tasks are carried out—become illuminated!" he penned.
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