Sun Mar 16 20:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis’ First Photo Since Hospitalization Released
**Vatican City, March 17, 2025** – The Vatican released the first photograph of Pope Francis since his hospitalization over a month ago, showing the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating mass in his hospital suite at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The photo, taken Sunday morning, depicts the Pope seated in a wheelchair, offering a glimpse of his recovery from pneumonia. While his face isn’t fully visible, the image is significant as it marks the first public appearance since his February 14th admission.
His condition, initially considered critical, has steadily improved over the past week, according to the Vatican. Although he remains in the hospital undergoing therapy, he has expressed gratitude for well-wishers and prayers in a written Angelus message, acknowledging his fragility but emphasizing the importance of love, prayer, and hope. The message also included calls for peace in Ukraine, Myanmar, and Sudan, and condolences for victims of a recent nightclub fire in North Macedonia.
Despite his absence from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, a steady stream of well-wishers, including tango dancers from Buenos Aires and children, have gathered outside the hospital to show their support. One dancer expressed hope that the Pope’s recovery is imminent, emphasizing the Argentine connection and the outpouring of love. A group of children even delivered a letter, underscoring the Pope’s popularity and the global concern for his health.
While Easter approaches, a period of significant religious events, the Vatican assures that Pope Francis continues to work from his hospital suite when possible. The released photograph offers a reassuring sign of progress in his recovery, providing hope to millions of Catholics worldwide.
First Piper 