The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis in over a month, showing him seated in a wheelchair before the altar of his private hospital chapel. Wearing a purple stole, the pontiff participated in Mass alongside priests in the papal apartment on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital.
This marks the Vatican’s first mention of Francis celebrating Mass since his February 14 hospitalization for chronic bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. While medical bulletins had previously noted his use of supplemental oxygen, the photograph showed no visible breathing apparatus.
Doctors confirmed this week that the pope is no longer in a critical condition but emphasized that his recovery remains complex due to his age, mobility issues, and a partial lung removal in his youth. An X-ray indicated that his infection is clearing, and efforts are underway to reduce his reliance on nighttime non-invasive ventilation.
‘Pope of the Children’
Earlier Sunday, dozens of children, many from war-torn regions, gathered outside Gemelli Hospital with yellow and white balloons to express their well wishes for the pope. Though he did not appear at his hospital window, Francis acknowledged them in his written Angelus message, thanking them for their prayers.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,’’ the pope wrote. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.’’
The gathering, organized by Rev. Enzo Fortunato, was described as “spiritual medicine” for the 88-year-old pontiff. A small group of children briefly entered the hospital to leave behind drawings, messages, and flowers for Francis. Among them was 12-year-old Anastasia from Naples, who woke up at dawn to deliver a handwritten note: “Pope Francis, get well and return home soon. We love you, all of the children are praying for you.”
Andrea Iacomini, UNICEF Italy’s spokesperson, highlighted that beyond expressing affection for the pope, the event also aimed to call for an end to conflicts affecting 500 million children in 59 countries.
“This pope is not just a religious leader; he is a great global leader, a man of peace,” Iacomini said. “He is the pope of the children.”
Francis Remains Out of Public Sight
Traditionally, Pope Francis delivers the Sunday Angelus from a Vatican window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. However, since his hospitalization, he has communicated only through written messages.
In his latest Angelus text, Francis reflected on human frailty, saying, “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.”
Pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee Year have now added a stop at Gemelli Hospital, a short train ride from the Vatican, to pray for his recovery.
The Vatican has confirmed that the next medical update on the pope’s condition will be issued midweek.
