Along with releasing the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization, the Vatican also issued an update on his current health.
The new photo—captured on the tenth floor of the hospital where the Pope has been praying daily—marks the first public glimpse of the 88-year-old pontiff since his admission on February 14, 2025. The image, which shows him in his familiar white cassock with a purple stole, seated in quiet reflection before a modest altar decorated with fresh flowers, candles, and a simple crucifix, has ignited lively discussions online. Some social media users have even questioned whether the person in the picture is indeed Pope Francis.
A caption from the Holy See Press Office explained that the photo was taken after the Pope participated in concelebrating the Eucharist that morning. Meanwhile, various netizens have expressed mixed reactions—ranging from humorous disbelief to genuine concern over his appearance and demeanor.
For weeks, journalists and the public have been eagerly awaiting a new image of the Pope. Until now, his last public appearance had been over a month ago, and since his hospitalization only his closest aides had direct access to him. However, his voice was recently heard on March 6 during a Rosary gathering in Saint Peter’s Square, where he offered a blessing and thanked everyone for their prayers.
Outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, around 200 children from UNICEF and other Italian organizations gathered with flowers and balloons, hoping for a brief glimpse or a blessing from the ailing pontiff.
During his recovery, Pope Francis has continued a daily routine centered on prayer, rest, and various therapies—including medications, respiratory treatments, and physiotherapy, to which he has responded notably well. Although his condition is stable, doctors describe his case as “complex,” and his health updates are now being provided daily to approximately 700 accredited journalists.
In his Angelus reflection on March 16, he characterized this challenging period as a trial, expressing solidarity with those who suffer and admitting that he feels vulnerable. A subsequent update on March 17 detailed that he now needs high-flow oxygen via nasal cannulas less often and sometimes can forgo them entirely. At night, he still relies on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and while there were concerns about swelling in his hand as seen in the photo, doctors have noted improvement, attributing the issue to limited mobility.
Despite these hurdles, the Pope spent his day in prayer, rest, and light activity, with the next official medical update scheduled for Wednesday. Prior to this latest update and the release of the photo, he had recorded a special audio message from his hospital room. This message—broadcast on March 6 during the nightly Rosary led by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime in Saint Peter’s Square—was an expression of heartfelt gratitude for the prayers and blessings he received.
Pope Francis has been hospitalized for treatment of bilateral pneumonia since February 14, 2025. Since February 24, thousands of worshippers, cardinals, clergy, and members of the Roman Curia have gathered nightly in St. Peter’s Square to pray the Holy Rosary for his recovery.
The recent audio message, shared nearly three weeks after his hospitalization, resonated widely and stirred emotional responses online. Comments on various platforms noted his frail-sounding voice and expressed both concern and admiration for his strength.
Earlier on March 6, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that his condition had remained stable, with no respiratory insufficiency observed that day. His ongoing respiratory and motor physiotherapy have shown positive results, with stable vital signs and no fever, even though the overall prognosis remains cautious. The Pope has continued his regular routine—including receiving the Eucharist before lunch—even as he underwent treatment following a bronchospasm on February 28 that had temporarily worsened his condition.
Even while confined to the hospital, Pope Francis has not wavered in his spiritual leadership. On March 5, his Ash Wednesday homily was read by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis at the Basilica of Saint Sabina in Rome. Before delivering the homily, the Cardinal acknowledged the Pope’s absence, inviting the faithful to join him in spirit. The homily focused on themes of humility, mortality, and hope, using the symbolism of ashes to remind the congregation of both human fragility and the promise of renewal through faith.
Throughout this period, the Vatican’s continuous updates and heartfelt reflections have underscored the deep connection between the Pope and his followers worldwide, even as he navigates these challenging times.