Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection, was photographed for the first time in over a month as he concelebrated Mass in the private chapel of his 10th-floor apartment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican released the image on Sunday, March 16, depicting the 88-year-old pontiff seated in a wheelchair, wearing a purple stole—a vestment associated with Lenten liturgical services—facing the altar.
The Pope’s hospitalization followed a serious bout of chronic bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia. Despite the severity of his condition, recent medical updates indicate that he is no longer in critical danger. His recovery, however, remains complex due to factors such as his age, limited mobility, and a partial lung removal from his youth.
Throughout his hospitalization, Pope Francis has continued to engage with the faithful. On March 6, he released an audio message expressing gratitude for the prayers and support he has received. In his Angelus reflection on March 16, he acknowledged his period of trial and highlighted the “shining signs of hope” that illuminate hospitals and places of suffering.
Earlier on Sunday, approximately 200 children from UNICEF and various Italian groups gathered outside Gemelli Hospital, bearing flowers and balloons, in a symbolic embrace for the Pope. Many of these children hailed from war-torn countries or underprivileged communities. While Pope Francis did not appear at his hospital window, he acknowledged their presence through a prepared text, thanking them for their prayers and expressing his love and anticipation to meet them.
The Vatican has emphasized that the Pope’s medical condition remains stable, with ongoing respiratory therapy and physiotherapy contributing positively to his recovery. No specific timeline has been provided for his discharge, as his recuperation is progressing gradually.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has continued to fulfill certain papal duties. Notably, he approved a three-year process to consider reforms within the Catholic Church, culminating in a summit scheduled for 2028. Cardinal Mario Grech, leading the reform process, remarked that the Pope is “helping push the renewal of the church towards a new missionary impulse,” underscoring the pontiff’s commitment to guiding the Church even during his illness.
The release of the photograph and reports of his participation in Mass have been met with widespread relief and joy among the Catholic community and beyond, serving as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his faith and followers.
