The Vatican released a photo of Pope Francis observing Mass on Sunday, highlighting how his health has gradually improved over recent days.
The photograph is the first picture of Pope Francis that has been released since he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14. The photo shows him sitting near an altar with his back facing the camera.
Pope Francis was diagnosed with a complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection that worsened before improving earlier last week. At the worst of his health condition, he battled renal failure and the onset of pneumonia in both lungs.
The 88-year-old suffers from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger, making his recovery difficult. Since then, he has been able to eat solid food and continues receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen.
POPE FRANCIS’ MEDICAL CONDITION: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BILATERAL PNEUMONIA
On Monday, the Vatican said that he was “out of danger from death” and that the “clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to be stable.” On Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that his condition remained stable.
“The Holy Father still needs hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” the Saturday bulletin said, noting that these therapies show “gradual improvements.”
POPE FRANCIS SUFFERING FROM ‘MILD RENAL INSUFFICIENCY,’ THOUGH CONDITION REMAINS ‘UNDER CONTROL,’ VATICAN SAYS
Though Sunday’s photograph is the first time the world has seen Pope Francis since Feb. 14, many “heard” from him earlier this month. On Mar. 6, Pope Francis recorded a short, two-line message in Spanish thanking his well-wishers around the world, marking the first time his voice was heard since his hospitalization.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square,” he said in a message that was translated from Spanish to English. “I accompany you from here.”
“May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz, Brie Stimson and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
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