VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization, showing the 88-year-old pontiff in prayer as he continues treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pope was admitted on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection requiring ongoing medical care. He has remained out of public view since then.
In the newly released photo, Francis is seated in a hospital chapel, facing away from the camera, while celebrating Mass with fellow priests on Sunday. Notably, despite receiving oxygen therapy throughout his treatment, he appears to be breathing unaided in the image.
This marks a rare glimpse of the pontiff’s condition as he undergoes what the Vatican describes as an evolving treatment plan.