Pope Francis seen praying in first photo since his hospitalization a month ago
A photo released by the Vatican on Sunday showed Pope Francis for the first time since he entered the hospital over a month ago for a case of bronchitis.
In the image published online by the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff was seen seated in a wheelchair in the private chapel of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Wearing a white cassock and purple stole, Francis was praying in front of the chapel’s altar after having just finished celebrating mass Sunday morning, the Vatican said.
Though his voice has been heard — Francis sent an audio message to his supporters in early March — no one but his medical team and close advisers had seen the pope since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14.
Francis entered the hospital with a case of bronchitis and while there developed several other maladies, including a polymicrobial infection and double pneumonia. He is now in stable condition, and doctors say he has been responding well to treatments, particularly physical therapy.
In his weekly Angelus prayer released by the Vatican on Sunday, Francis reflected on the “period of trial” he and others have faced while sick.
“Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being shining signs of hope for one another in faith,” he said.
Netflix’s ‘The Eternaut’ makes a haunting series of an esteemed Argentine comic
El Eternauta has acquired near-mythic status in Argentina since it was first published in 1957.
This city is exploring an unconventional solution to water scarcity: sewage
A booming population and changing climate have strained water supplies in St. George, Utah. Local leaders are betting that recycled wastewater can keep the city's taps flowing.
President Trump said he fired a Smithsonian museum director. Can he do that?
Since taking office, President Trump has aggressively tried to reshape cultural institutions. Last month, he claimed he was firing the director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.
‘I don’t have no pity party’: Alabama execution set for Tuesday evening
Gregory Hunt is scheduled to be executed for the 1988 murder of Karen Lane in Walker County. It would be Alabama's fifth execution by nitrogen gas.
4 things to know about the immigration raid protests that roiled LA this weekend
Protesters opposed to federal immigration raids faced off with law enforcement in Los Angeles over the weekend. President Trump called in the National Guard against the wishes of the governor.
Trump’s trade war is raising money for the government, but at whose expense?
Tariff collections are up sharply in the last 2 months. Congressional forecasters say tariffs could help reduce the federal debt, but they'll also lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth.
