The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization in February, showing the 88-year-old pontiff concelebrating Mass from his suite at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
A Long-Awaited Appearance
For weeks, the world waited for a sign of Pope Francis’ recovery. On March 16, that moment arrived. The Vatican shared an image of him participating in Mass — his first public visual since being admitted on February 14. Until now, the Vatican only reported that the pope was “participating” in services and receiving the Eucharist daily.
This photo captures a significant shift. It’s no longer just words of assurance from the Vatican. The image offers a powerful, visual statement: the pope is still leading, even from a hospital room.
His frail appearance, coupled with his quiet determination to preside over Mass, speaks volumes. It’s a reminder of his enduring commitment — despite ongoing treatment for double pneumonia and multiple infections.
Children Gather, Hopeful for a Wave
While the pope remained inside, the square below his hospital window came to life. More than a hundred children gathered, balloons in hand, hoping for a glimpse of him during the Angelus prayer.
The children, led by groups from Sacred Heart School and local Beaver Scouts, prayed together. Some, like 8-year-old Elena, came “to show our affection to make him feel better.” Others, like 10-year-old Giulio, shared personal memories of meeting the pope. Giulio’s father works at the Vatican, and the boy fondly recalled how Pope Francis baptized his little sister three years ago.
Though the pope didn’t appear at his window, he acknowledged the children in a written message, thanking them for their prayers and assuring them, “The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
Health Updates Remain Sparse
Despite the heartening photo, official health updates remain limited. Vatican doctors last reported that the pope’s condition was “gradually improving” — but they won’t issue another medical bulletin until March 18 or 19.
His March 6 audio message, though brief, revealed the toll of his illness. His voice, strained and labored, made it clear that recovery is ongoing. The Vatican remains cautious about setting expectations.
The pope’s absence from the public eye — especially his fifth missed Angelus in a row — fuels speculation. But this newly released photo, showing him in action, offers reassurance that his spirit remains unshaken.
A Plea for Peace Endures
Even from his hospital bed, Pope Francis continues to deliver his global message of peace. In his Angelus statement, he called on people to “continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war.” He specifically mentioned Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Sant’Egidio Community, which helped organize the children’s gathering outside the hospital, emphasized the pope’s unwavering role as a voice for peace. Marco Impagliazzo, the organization’s president, said the children came not only to wish him well but also to “thank him for his words of peace, which he gives every day.”
