Faithful relieved after release of first photo of Pope Francis in hospital

The faithful and well-wishers on Monday (March 17) were comforted after the Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital since he began treatment for double pneumonia, in which the 88-year-old pontiff appeared to be breathing unaided. The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required evolving treatment. He has not been seen in public since. Francis is pictured from behind, sitting facing the altar in a chapel at the hospital. The side of his face is visible and his right hand rests on his lap. There is no sign that he is receiving the supplementary oxygen that he has been given throughout his stay. The Vatican said the photo was taken on Sunday (March 16), when the pope celebrated Mass with other priests in the chapel. In its latest medical update, issued on Saturday (March 15), the Vatican said Francis was gradually improving and was using less mechanical ventilation at night to help with breathing. (Production: Gabriele Pileri, Lavinia Sdoga, Fabiano Franchitti) RELATED STORY: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/3/16/pope-seen-praying-from-hospital-chapel-in-photo-released-by-vatican-1210