International

Vatican Releases First Photo of Pope Francis Since Hospitalization

Published

1 month ago

Mar 17, 2025.

Dennis

Pope Francis seen in wheelchair at hospital chapel, first image since February 14.
Pontiff recovering from pneumonia, undergoing respiratory and physical therapy.
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The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis since his hospital admission a month ago, offering a rare glimpse of the pontiff as he continues his recovery from pneumonia.

The image shows the 88-year-old Pope seated in a wheelchair before an altar inside the chapel of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. It marks the first public appearance—albeit in photo form—since his admission on February 14, during which no official images had been shared.

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Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis addressed the faithful through a written Angelus message, acknowledging his ongoing health struggles. “I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” he wrote, describing this phase as a “period of trial.” He also extended prayers for peace in conflict-stricken regions including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This was the fifth consecutive Sunday that the Pope missed his traditional public Angelus blessing. The Vatican confirmed this week that medical imaging had shown “improvements,” but clarified that the Pope still required hospital-based care. “The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” the Vatican said in a statement, adding that he was “showing further, gradual improvements.”

Pope Francis has reportedly suffered multiple respiratory crises during his hospitalization, fueling concerns about his health and longevity. Earlier this month, an audio message from the Pope—delivered in his native Spanish and played in St Peter’s Square—revealed a breathless voice as he thanked Catholics worldwide for their prayers.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis is the first Pope from the Americas. He has long faced respiratory challenges, having lost part of a lung to pleurisy in his youth, which has left him especially vulnerable to infections like pneumonia.