Vatican releases photo of Pope Francis praying Sunday from hospital suite chapel

The first image of Pope Francis has been released since he was admitted to a Rome hospital more than four weeks ago. See the photo.

The first image of Pope Francis has been released since he was admitted to a Rome hospital more than four weeks ago.

On Sunday (Monday AEDT) the Vatican released an image of the 88-year-old wheelchair-bound pontiff inside the chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli hospital where he has been since February 14.

The image, which was taken from behind Francis and did not show his face, captured him celebrating mass inside the Italian hospital.

Pope Francis during a mass in the chapel of the apartment of the Gemelli Hospital where he is hospitalised with pneumonia. Picture: Vatican Media/AFP

“This morning Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the 10th floor of the Policlinico Gemelli,” the Vatican’s statement said.

The pope has been battling a series of health issues over the past month including bronchitis, double pneumonia and renal problems and has recently moved from a critical condition to stable.

Earlier in the day Francis said that he was facing a “period of trial” and he thanked many people from around the world for their prayers and assisting him with “such dedication”.

Children gather outside Rome's Gemelli hospital to pray for and be close to Pope Francis, who continues to recover from a bout of pneumonia and other health issues. pic.twitter.com/uWujsNqshR

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 16, 2025

The Vatican also published a video on its X account showing dozens of children gathering outside Gemelli hospital with flowers, balloons and messages to offer their support for the pope and hope that he can return to good health.

In his weekly Angelus on Sunday he reflected on his “period of trial” and urged people to think of others who are sick or undergoing challenging times in their lives.

“Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being shining signs of hope for one another in faith,” he said.

Nuns relax in the colonnade of St Peter's Square on March 16, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pope thanked wellwishers today for their prayers in a message from hospital. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Francis also thanked many children for their support by attending Gemelli hospital.

“The Pope loves you,” Francis said, “and is always looking forward to meeting you.”

On the weekend the Vatican also published a statement outlining the pope’s latest health update which remains complex but some small signs of improvement.

“The clinical condition of the Holy Father remains stable, confirming the progress observed in the past week,” the statement said.

“High-flow oxygen therapy continues, progressively reducing the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the night.

“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical care, as well as physiotherapy and respiratory physiotherapy.

“These therapies are currently showing further, gradual improvements”.

Originally published as Vatican releases photo of Pope Francis praying Sunday from hospital suite chapel