ROME (AP) - In a letter published on Tuesday, Pope Francis expressed that his prolonged illness has provided him with a clearer perspective on the "absurdity of war." This message came as his top deputy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, firmly denied any speculations regarding the pope's resignation while preparations continued for an upcoming meeting with King Charles III of Britain on April 8.

The letter, addressed to the editor of the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, was signed and dated March 14, originating from Rome's Gemelli hospital where the 88-year-old pontiff has been undergoing treatment for a complex lung infection and double pneumonia since February 14. In his correspondence, Francis reiterated the need for diplomacy and urged international organizations to regain a "new vitality and credibility."

Francis reflected on how his own health challenges have illuminated certain truths, particularly the "absurdity of war." He wrote, "Human fragility has the power to make us more lucid about what endures and what passes, what brings life and what kills." Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of words, stating that they are "never just words: they are facts that shape human environments." He urged the media to "disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth."

The Vatican's press office reported slight improvements in Francis's condition, with the pope now able to spend portions of the day on regular supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube, reducing the reliance on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night. Parolin, following his visits to the pope during hospitalization, noted that there were significant improvements in Francis's health since their first meeting.

While the Vatican has not provided a timeline for the pope's release, Buckingham Palace announced plans for King Charles III's visit to the Vatican, suggesting that the Holy See expects Francis to be back in action by that date, barring any unforeseen setbacks. Alongside this announcement, the Vatican released the first photograph of Francis since entering the hospital. The image, taken the previous Sunday, shows the pope in a wheelchair praying in his private chapel, without visible signs of medical equipment.

This photo followed an audio message released on March 6, where Francis expressed gratitude for the prayers extended to him, although his voice sounded soft and labored. The strategic release of this image indicates that Francis is managing public perception of his health, aiming to prevent it from becoming a spectacle. While many within the Vatican view Saint John Paul II's public struggle with illness as a testament to humility, others have critiqued it as excessive.

Reactions to the recent photo have varied among the public. Many well-wishers visiting Gemelli found solace in seeing the pope's image, indicating that his health appears to be improving. "After a month of hospitalization, finally a photo that can assure us that his health conditions are better," remarked Rev. Enrico Antonio. Sister Mary, a nun from Kenya, expressed joy at the photo, saying it instilled confidence in the church's continuity and in the pope's eventual return.

Conversely, some visitors questioned the authenticity and timing of the photo release. Benedetta Flagiello, who was at the hospital for a family member, wondered why Francis wasn't seen by the public, drawing comparisons to the late John Paul II, who made appearances despite his health struggles. Such sentiments highlight the varying perceptions of how a pope should engage with the public during serious health issues.

Overall, Pope Francis's reflections on war, the significance of words, and his gradual health improvements constitute a significant moment in his papacy, as he prepares for key engagements while navigating the complexities of his recent illness.