Vatican Releases First Photo of Pope Francis Since Hospitalization

The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization a month ago.

The photo, shared on Sunday, March 16, shows the pontiff seated in a wheelchair in front of an altar at a chapel in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from pneumonia.

Earlier that day, in his written Angelus message, the Pope described his illness as a “period of trial,” expressed gratitude for the prayers of well-wishers, and prayed for peace in “countries wounded by war.”

The Vatican recently stated that an X-ray confirmed “improvements” in his condition, though he continues to require hospital treatment.

“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” it said in a statement on Saturday, adding that they were “showing further, gradual improvements”.

Pope Francis, 88, had not been seen in public since his hospitalization on February 14, and no photographs had been released until Sunday.

“I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” the Pope said in his latest statement, released earlier on Sunday.

“Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Since being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis has been treated for double pneumonia and other infections. He has also experienced multiple respiratory crises, raising concerns about his health.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Pope had pleurisy as a young man, which led to the partial removal of one lung, making him especially susceptible to pneumonia.