The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital since he was admitted for double pneumonia, showing the 88-year-old pontiff seated in a chapel at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on 14 February with a severe respiratory infection requiring ongoing treatment. He has not been seen in public since.
The Vatican’s photo, taken from behind, shows him celebrating Mass with other priests at the hospital chapel. The pope, who has been receiving oxygen, appears to be breathing unaided in the image.
Francis' health has been under close watch due to his advanced age and recent hospitalisations. The Vatican has not provided further updates on his condition.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other prominent figures expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in Vatican City after a period of declining health.
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U.S. Catholics
Pope Francis’ 2015 U.S. visit inspired hope for renewal, but his decade-long papacy saw rising divisions, as conservative U.S. Catholics clashed with him over immigration, climate, and LGBTQ+ rights. He died at 88, leaving a complex legacy.
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Catholic Church
Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Catholic Church is preparing to elect his successor — a pontiff likely to reflect a more centrist or traditionally conservative vision, according to church analysts, according to the New York Post.
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Pope Francis' funeral
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis' funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) at St. Peter's Basilica.
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Vatican
The Vatican has released solemn images of Pope Francis lying in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe, wearing the papal mitre, and holding a rosary in his hand. The photos were taken in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence within the Vatican.
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