Vatican Releases First Picture of Pope Francis from Hospital, Shares Big Health Update

Rome: The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis in over a month, showing the 88-year-old pontiff participating in a Mass at the Gemelli Hospital. The image shows Francis sitting in a wheelchair before the altar of his hospital chapel, offering a rare glimpse of the pontiff since his hospitalisation in February for chronic bronchitis that quickly escalated into double pneumonia.

The photograph, showing the Pope in a purple stole typical of Lenten liturgical vestments, was taken as Francis participated in the celebration of the Mass with other priests in the 10th-floor papal apartment at the hospital. Notably, the image showed no signs of the supplemental oxygen that had been previously noted in the medical bulletins.

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Pope Francis's Doctor Shares Big Health Update

This week, doctors treating Pope Francis at the Gemelli Hospital provided an encouraging update, noting that he was no longer in critical or life-threatening condition. However, due to his age and prior lung issues, they emphasised that his health remains complex.

Despite these challenges, the Pope’s condition has shown steady improvement, and the Vatican has suspended daily medical updates in favor of more intermittent reports. According to the latest bulletin on Saturday, doctors are working to reduce Francis' reliance on a non-invasive ventilation mask at night, which will help his lungs function better. During the day, he continues to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen via a nasal tube, though no oxygen apparatus was visible in the recently released photograph.

Pope Francis Thanks Well-Wishers

Earlier on Sunday, dozens of children gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital to show their support for Pope Francis, many holding yellow and white balloons. While the Pope did not appear from his 10th-floor hospital windows, he acknowledged the children’s presence during the Angelus prayer, expressing gratitude for their prayers and closeness.

"I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness," Francis said in a written message. "Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you."

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Public Appearances Suspended

Since being admitted to the hospital on February 14, Pope Francis has not been seen publicly. His hospitalisation followed a difficult battle with bronchitis that was later complicated by pneumonia and an infection involving multiple pathogens. The first three weeks of his hospital stay were marked by serious health setbacks, including respiratory issues, mild kidney failure, and a severe coughing fit. However, his condition has gradually stabilized, and the Vatican has expressed optimism about his ongoing recovery.

While Pope Francis has not been able to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer live to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square, his written messages continue to inspire. In his recent message, the Pope shared his reflections on the fragility of the human body, 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."

The Vatican has announced that the next medical update on Pope Francis will be released mid-week, continuing to keep the public informed about his recovery.

(Inputs from AP)