For the first time in more than a month, the Vatican has released a photo of Pope Francis, showing him in a wheelchair wearing purple Lenten vestments, seated before an altar in the hospital chapel at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 due to bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia. While his condition has stabilized, his recovery remains complex due to his age, limited mobility, and a history of lung complications.
Pope Francis Participates in Mass for the First Time Since Hospitalization
The Vatican confirmed that the pope celebrated Mass with other priests, marking the first time he has participated in a liturgical service since his hospitalization.
This update offers reassurance, especially since Francis has not been seen publicly since he was admitted to the hospital.
Children Gather Outside Hospital to Pray for Pope’s Recovery
On Sunday, dozens of children from war-torn countries gathered outside Gemelli Hospital holding yellow and white balloons—the colors of the Vatican flag—to show their support for the pope.
In a written Angelus message, the pope acknowledged their prayers:
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
Many of the children came from Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa, with some arriving through humanitarian corridors.
Andrea Iacomini, a UNICEF representative in Italy, praised the pope’s global leadership:
“This pope is not just a religious leader; he is a great global leader. A man of peace. This pope is the pope of the children.”
Pope’s Health Shows Improvement but Recovery Is Ongoing
Doctors say that while Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger, his condition remains delicate. Key points from the most recent medical updates include:
- The lung infection is clearing, confirmed by a recent X-ray.
- He is slowly reducing reliance on nighttime ventilation support.
- Physical and respiratory therapy are helping his recovery.
- His hospitalization will continue for now, with the next medical update expected mid-week.
Francis’ 12th anniversary as pope passed during his hospital stay. While typically delivering the Sunday Angelus blessing from St. Peter’s Square, he has instead relied on written messages.
What’s Next?
Though there is no confirmed date for his release, the steady improvement in his health suggests he is moving in the right direction. For now, he remains under close medical supervision as the Vatican monitors his progress.