In addition to sharing the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization, the Vatican also provided the latest health update concerning his condition.
In the photo, Pope Francis, draped in his traditional white cassock with a purple stole, sat in quiet contemplation before a modest altar adorned with fresh flowers, flickering candles, and a simple crucifix.
The intimate setting, reminiscent of a private chapel, exuded a profound sense of serenity — a sacred refuge for the 88-year-old pontiff, whose health has been a subject of growing concern.
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“The Holy See Press Office has released a picture of Pope Francis in prayer after concelebrating the Eucharist this morning. It’s the first to be released since the Pope’s hospitalisation [sic] on 14 February,” reads the post” caption.
Netizens wasted no time in taking to social media platforms to share their reactions. “He doesn’t look alive. It’s a weekend at Bernies [sic] situation. Oh dear, things are not good,” opined someone on Reddit.
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A Facebooker chimed in with, “That’s not him, this is a clone 🤣.” Expressing a similar sentiment, a fellow spectator wondered, “Is that the pope? Looks like he got a tan.” “The sad look of a man in his final stages of life reflecting on his service to God n humanity [sic],” penned an observer. Someone else added, “Even looks unconscious.”
“It’s his eyes, that’s what people want to see,” declared an observer. While many people noted their doubts about the pope’s identity in the photo, one supporter expressed, “Im glad hes recovering bc i didnt really think he would. Definitely still looking pretty rough but way better than how he was and hopefully he keeps going up [sic].”
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According to the Vatican News, the photo of Pope Francis was taken on the tenth floor of the hospital “where the pope has gone to pray every day since his medical condition has shown slight improvements.” For weeks, the public and journalists alike have been eager for a new image of Pope Francis.
The last glimpses of him date back to over a month ago when he met with members of Spain’s Gaudium et Spes Foundation at his Santa Marta residence before being hospitalized.
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Since then, only his medical team and closest aides have seen him in person. However, his voice was heard on March 6, 2025, during an audio message played at a Rosary gathering in Saint Peter’s Square, where he offered a blessing and expressed gratitude for the prayers sent his way.
One morning, around 200 children from UNICEF and other Italian groups gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, bringing flowers, balloons, and an outpouring of love. They gazed up at the tenth-floor windows, hopeful for a brief appearance or a blessing from the ailing pontiff.
As Pope Francis continues his recovery, his days remain structured around prayer, rest, and therapy —including medication, respiratory treatments, and physiotherapy. According to the Holy See Press Office, he has responded particularly well to the physiotherapy sessions.
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Despite his ongoing health struggles, he maintains a stable condition, though doctors still describe his case as “complex.”
The Vatican has been providing daily health updates to the growing number of accredited journalists — now numbering 700. With fewer medical bulletins due to his stable condition, the Pope remains focused on his spiritual mission even from his hospital bed.
In his Angelus reflections on March 16, he referred to this period as a “trial” and expressed solidarity with others who are suffering, acknowledging that he, too, feels “fragile” in this moment.
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In addition to the photo and aforementioned reflections, the Holy See Press Office also provided a health update on March 17. His medical team reports that he now requires high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas less frequently and can sometimes manage without it altogether.
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At night, he continues to rely on non-invasive mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. Additionally, soncerns arose over visible swelling in his hand, as seen in the recently published photograph.
However, doctors attribute this to limited mobility and have confirmed that the swelling has already improved.
Source: news.amomama.com