Pope Francis Update: First Photo of Pontiff Released Since Hospitalization

Anne Thompson

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The Context

The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized on February 14 with a case of bronchitis that eventually developed into simultaneous bronchitis and pneumonia. The pope suffered a number of respiratory complications, such as inhaling some vomit that led to aspiration and required noninvasive mechanical ventilation. However, recent updates have indicated Francis has seen his condition improving despite the various complications, with the pope saying he no longer feels in imminent danger. He also has remained largely engaged in church matters during his hospitalization, even participating in a video conference for the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat at the beginning of Lent—the 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance leads up to Easter Sunday. As leader of the Roman Catholic Church, with over 1.3 billion followers worldwide, his health issues hold significant global implications for the Church.

What To Know

The Vatican News X, formerly Twitter, account released the photo, which showed only the pope "in prayer after concelebrating the Eucharist this morning. It's the first to be released since the Pope's hospitalization on 14 February." Just half an hour earlier, Vatican News released video of children gathering outside Rome's Gemelli hospital where the pope has been receiving treatment for his various health issues, including pneumonia. The pope earlier on Sunday had released a statement in which he "contemplates the period of trial he is experiencing, and highlights the 'shining signs of hope' that illuminate hospitals and places of care." He also offered prayers for those killed or injured in the devastating fire at a club in North Macedonia overnight Saturday. In a post on X, the pope's account wrote: "Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

Pope Francis Holy See Vatican — Pope Francis is seen in prayer after concelebrating the Eucharist on March 16. Holy See Press Office

What People Are Saying

In a series of posts on X, the official account for Pope Francis wrote: "I would like to invite you, today, to join me in praising the Lord, who never abandons us and who, in times of sorrow, places people beside us who reflect a ray of His love. I thank you all for your prayers, and I thank those who assist me with such dedication." Another post read: "Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope."

What Happens Next?

It remains unclear how long the pope will remain in hospital, but some have taken the fact Vatican News described the pope as concelebrating—a leadership role in the ceremony rather than mere participation—as an encouraging sign of his recovery and treatment. Update 3/16/25, 3:45 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

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