First photo of ailing Pope Francis released amid complex health condition

Pope Francis’ first image since the 88-year-old’s hospital admission last month due to double pneumonia has been made public by the Vatican.

After attending a chapel in a hospital, Francis is seen facing an altar in the image, which was published on Sunday.

On February 14, the pope, who had a severe respiratory infection, entered Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and required developing treatment. Since then, he hasn’t been seen in public.

In the photo, the pontiff appears to be breathing on his own, despite receiving oxygen throughout his treatment.

Since the last photo of Francis was published more than a month ago, journalists and the faithful have been asking for more images, according to a Vatican News report.

The pope has only been visible in audio from his hospitalization on March 6 when a stressed Francis can be heard thanking everyone who has been praying for his recovery.

According to the report, “the situation is stable, but still within a complex clinical picture.”

Francis is no longer in a critical, life-threatening condition, according to doctors this week. However, they have continued to emphasize that his condition remained complicated as a result of his young man’s age, lack of mobility, and the loss of a lung.