The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized more than a month ago. The image, shared on Sunday, shows the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass from the chapel inside his hospital suite at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic.
The photo is significant because Pope Francis has not been seen in public since February 14, when he was admitted for pneumonia in both lungs. Doctors had considered his condition critical for weeks, raising concerns about his health. However, the Vatican now notes that his condition remains stable, though he still requires therapy.
The released image shows Pope Francis sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a white robe and a purple stole. He is not wearing his usual white skullcap, and his face is partially visible as he looks downward. A crucifix is seen on the wall behind the simple altar where he is seated.
“This morning Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic,” the Vatican press office wrote in the photograph’s caption.
Since his hospitalization, Pope Francis has not been able to lead Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica or personally deliver the Angelus prayer to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. However, on Sunday, the Vatican published his Angelus message, in which he expressed gratitude to those praying for him while acknowledging his health struggles.
“I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” he wrote.
Despite his condition, the pope remains hopeful and encouraged others to continue praying and showing love for one another. “Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope,” he added.
Although Pope Francis has not yet appeared at the window of his hospital suite, supporters have continued to gather outside. Among them were tango dancers performing under gray skies, a gesture meant to bring joy to the Argentine-born pope.
“With this tango, he must be discharged,” said Daiana Guspero, a 38-year-old dancer from Buenos Aires. “I want him to feel our energy, our love for tango and for an Argentine pope.”
Children have also visited the hospital, hoping to show their support. A group of young Catholic scouts gathered near a statue of former Pope John Paul II, holding yellow and white balloons. Many of them, aged five to seven, did not fully understand the pope’s situation, but their leader, Valerio Santobonio, noted that their visit was a way to introduce them to a larger Christian community.
Others traveled from a poor town near Naples to deliver a letter to the pope. Andrea Lacomini from UNICEF, who helped organize the trip, noted the pope’s special connection with children.
“He loves children, he is the pope of the children, so we are waiting for him. We’re sure he will get better,” he said.
Pope Francis acknowledged these young visitors in his message. “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness,” he wrote. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
