Mar 16, 2025 - World

Vatican releases 1st photo of Pope since month-long hospitalization

Rebecca Falconer

Pope Francis prays at his private chapel of the 'Gemelli' hospital on March 16, 2025 in Rome, Italy. — Pope Francis prays at his private chapel of the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on Sunday. Photo: Holy See Press Office via Vatican Pool/Getty Images

The first image of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized over a month ago was released by the Vatican on Sunday.

The big picture: The photo shows him sitting alone in a wheelchair in a chapel at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital after he celebrated Mass with other priests, according to the Vatican.

The pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 with bronchitis symptoms and tests revealed "a complex clinical picture" that saw him diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and later pneumonia in both lungs.
His medical condition has "shown slight improvements" and the Vatican said last week he no longer faced immediate threat of dying from pneumonia.

What they're saying: The Pope's condition "remains stable," but "still within a clinical context" that the medical staff defines as "complex," the Vatican said Sunday.

Go deeper... "Pray for me:" Pope sends message from hospital bed

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Vatican releases 1st photo of Pope since month-long hospitalization

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