On Sunday, the Vatican released the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization 31 days ago, showing him facing the altar in the small chapel within his private suite at a hospital in Rome. This marked his first celebration of Mass with other priests since his admission. He continued his motor and respiratory physiotherapy on Sunday and appeared to be benefiting from it. The pontiff wore a purple stole, signifying the season of Lent. Earlier, children gathered outside the hospital with balloons, signs of encouragement, and cheers of “Viva la Pace.” While the pope didn’t appear at the window, he acknowledged their presence in his traditional blessing, thanking them for their prayers and love. The Rev. Enzo Fortunato, the president of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day, organized the gathering, emphasizing the joy children bring. Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital with respiratory infections and pneumonia. Although he remains fragile due to his age and pre-existing lung disease, his condition has improved, with a reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation. In his written address, the Pope acknowledged his frailty but emphasized that it doesn’t prevent him from loving, praying, and giving. Some children from Caivano, an impoverished town in Naples, attended the gathering, viewing the pope as a hero and a symbol of peace in a contemporary world lacking heroes.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/16/world/europe/pope-francis-hospital-photo.html