First image of Pope Francis since hospitalization released

The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization on February 14, offering a glimpse of the Pontiff in prayer following the celebration of the Eucharist. 

The photo, distributed by the Holy See Press Office on Sunday evening, March 16, captures the Pope seated in a wheelchair, clad in a cassock and stole, as he gazes at the crucifix in the private chapel on the tenth floor of Gemelli Hospital. 

This poignant image reassures the faithful that, despite ongoing medical treatment, the Pope remains spiritually engaged and devoted to his routine of prayer.

For weeks, journalists and the public had been eagerly awaiting an updated image of Pope Francis. The last publicly available photos dated back to over a month ago, showing him at his Santa Marta residence before his hospitalization, where he met with members of Spain's Gaudium et Spes Foundation. 

Since then, only his doctors and closest aides had seen him, leaving the world to rely on official medical updates and an audio message played during the Rosary in Saint Peter’s Square on March 6. In that recording, the Pope expressed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers during his illness.

On Sunday morning, around 200 children from UNICEF and various groups gathered in front of Gemelli Hospital, carrying flowers and balloons as a symbolic gesture of support. Many looked up toward the windows of the Pope’s hospital room, hoping for a momentary appearance or a brief greeting.

The newly released photo underscores Pope Francis' commitment to prayer despite his health challenges. His daily schedule includes moments of spiritual reflection, along with continued respiratory therapy and physiotherapy, which the Holy See Press Office says have yielded positive results. Though he refrained from receiving visitors on Sunday, he remained engaged with some light work.

Medical updates have become less frequent as doctors maintain that his condition remains stable but complex. 

The Vatican press office continues to provide daily health reports, with media interest in his recovery surging—reflected in the growing number of accredited journalists, now reaching 700.

As Pope Francis endures what he described in his Sunday Angelus reflection as a "period of trial," he unites his prayers with those of the sick and suffering worldwide. 

"Fragile, at this time, like me," he wrote, reminding the faithful of his solidarity with all those experiencing illness. 

While his return to full public life remains uncertain, this first image reassures Catholics around the world of his resilience and unwavering faith.