The Vatican released the first photograph of Pope Francis in over a month on Sunday, showing him from a three-quarter rear view, wearing a purple stole—typical of Lenten liturgical vestments—while seated in a wheelchair before the altar of his private hospital chapel.
According to the Vatican, the pope was participating in a Mass alongside other priests in the papal apartment on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. However, no one else is visible in the image. This marks the first official mention of Francis celebrating Mass since he was hospitalised on 14 February with chronic bronchitis, which quickly developed into double pneumonia.
There was no apparent indication that he was receiving supplemental oxygen, as previously mentioned in medical updates. While doctors confirmed this week that the pope is no longer in a critical or life-threatening condition, they emphasised that his health remains complex due to his age, limited mobility, and the loss of part of a lung in his youth. In an audio message released on 6 March, Francis spoke in a weak, laboured voice as he expressed gratitude to the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for their prayers.
His condition has been steadily improving over the past week, prompting the Vatican to scale back daily medical updates. An X-ray this week confirmed that the infection is clearing.
In the latest medical bulletin on Saturday, doctors reported efforts to reduce his reliance on a non-invasive ventilation mask at night, allowing his lungs to function more independently. During the day, he continues to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube, though no such apparatus is visible in the newly released photograph.
On Sunday morning, dozens of children—many from conflict-affected countries and carrying yellow and white balloons—gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to offer their well-wishes for Francis, now in his fifth Sunday of hospitalisation. Though the pope did not appear at the 10th-floor windows, he acknowledged them in his traditional Sunday blessing.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” the pope said in the prepared text for the Angelus prayer, which was not delivered live. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and always looks forward to meeting you.”
The event was organised by the Rev. Enzo Fortunato, president of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day, who described the gathering as a form of “spiritual medicine” for the 88-year-old pontiff, calling it “the most beautiful caress.”
“The children are a symbolic medicine for Pope Francis,” Fortunato said. “Knowing that so many of them are here for him brings warmth to his heart.”
A small group of children, carrying balloons in the Vatican’s colours, briefly entered the hospital to leave behind drawings, messages, and flowers for the pope. Many came from impoverished areas of Italy or conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, South America, and Africa. They arrived in Italy through humanitarian corridors established by the Sant’Egidio charity in collaboration with the Italian government.
Among them was 12-year-old Anastasia, who travelled from Naples after waking at 5 a.m. in the hopes of delivering her message to the pope personally. “I wrote, ‘Pope Francis, get well and come home soon,’” she said. “We love you, and all the children are praying for you.”
Andrea Iacomini, spokesperson for UNICEF in Italy, said that beyond their affection for the pope, the group aimed to send a message against 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. This pope is the pope of the children,” Iacomini said.
Typically, Francis delivers the Angelus prayer from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square, addressing an audience that has grown larger due to the ongoing Jubilee Year he inaugurated in December. In his written message on Sunday, the pope expressed solidarity with others facing frailty.
“Our bodies are weak, but even so, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, giving ourselves to others, and being a source of hope,” he wrote.
While pilgrims have been visiting St Peter’s Basilica to pass through the Holy Door for indulgences, many are now adding a stop at Gemelli Hospital, just a 15-minute train ride from the Vatican, to pray for the pope’s recovery.
Francis has not been seen in public since his admission to hospital for bronchitis, which later led to a diagnosis of double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection. The first three weeks of his hospitalisation saw several setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and severe coughing fits. However, his condition has stabilised over the past week.
The next medical update is expected midweek, the Vatican said.
Magazine
info@luminarytimes.com
+1-8308642693
