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Image Credit: Vatican Press Office

The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization in February. The 88-year-old pontiff, recovering from pneumonia, appears in a wheelchair at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. While showing improvement, he still requires medical therapy. The Pope thanked well-wishers and called for prayers for war-torn nations.

The Vatican has shared the first image of Pope Francis since he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital a month ago. The photograph, released on March 16, captures the 88-year-old pontiff seated in a wheelchair inside the hospital’s chapel, where he continues treatment for pneumonia and other health complications.

Earlier that day, in a written Angelus message, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his illness, referring to it as a "period of trial." He also called for continued prayers for war-torn nations, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Vatican had previously reported improvements in the Pope’s health, noting positive results from an X-ray scan. However, officials emphasized that he still requires medical therapy, as well as motor and respiratory physiotherapy, to aid his recovery.

Since being hospitalized on February 14, Pope Francis has battled double pneumonia, prompting widespread concerns about his well-being. His long-standing respiratory issues, stemming from a partial lung removal in his youth, have made him particularly vulnerable to such infections.

The release of this latest photograph provides some reassurance to the Catholic community worldwide, though the Vatican has not disclosed when he is expected to resume public appearances.