The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized for double pneumonia. The photo shows the 88-year-old pontiff appearing to breathe on his own, indicating a positive sign in his recovery journey.
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03-17, 2025The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection and has been receiving ongoing treatment. He has not made any public appearances since his hospitalization. In the photo, Francis is seen sitting in front of the altar in the hospital chapel with his back to the camera, engaging in quiet reflection.
The photo suggests he is not receiving the assisted oxygen he has been using throughout his hospital stay. The Vatican stated that the photo was taken on Sunday when the Pope celebrated Mass in the chapel with other priests. In its latest medical update released on Saturday, the Vatican said that Francis' condition is gradually improving, with a reduced frequency of using mechanical ventilation to assist his breathing at night.
For nearly two weeks, the Pope's condition has been described as stable or improving, but the Vatican has not given a definite timetable for his discharge, saying his recovery is progressing slowly. Having had pleurisy and a portion of his lung removed when he was younger, Francis is susceptible to lung infections. He has been receiving respiratory physiotherapy to help with his breathing, as well as physical therapy to help regain his mobility. In recent years, he has used a wheelchair due to knee and back pain.
On Thursday, Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his election as Pope in the hospital. Doctors not involved in the Pope's treatment have said that, given his age and other medical conditions, he may face a long and difficult recovery. Last Saturday, the Vatican announced that Francis had approved a new three-year process to consider reforms in the global Catholic Church, signaling his intention to continue serving as Pope despite his health issues.
