Vatican Releases First Photo of Pope Francis in Over a Month

On March 16, 2025, the Vatican released the first photograph of Pope Francis since his hospitalization over a month ago, offering a rare glimpse into his condition. The image captures the 88-year-old pontiff concelebrating Mass from a wheelchair in the chapel of his private apartment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Dressed in a purple stole, he faces a small altar, surrounded by fellow priests—an encouraging sign amid his ongoing recovery.

Pope Francis was admitted on February 14, 2025, initially diagnosed with bronchitis, which soon escalated into double pneumonia, a serious respiratory condition. Since then, updates from the Vatican have described his health as stable yet guarded, with no discharge date confirmed. The photo marks a shift from earlier reports that he was only attending Mass or receiving the Eucharist, suggesting a modest improvement as he actively participated in the liturgy.

The release of this image, the first visual update in weeks, has eased some concerns among the faithful while underscoring the fragility of his health. As the world watches, the Vatican continues to balance transparency with privacy, keeping the focus on Francis’s slow but hopeful recovery in the heart of Rome’s medical care.