The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized in mid-February due to a bout of bronchitis.
The photo, released on the Vatican News X account, showed the pope "in prayer after concelebrating the Eucharist this morning. It's the first to be released since the Pope's hospitalization on 14 February."
Just half an hour earlier, the same account had released video of children gathering outside Rome's Gemelli hospital, where the pope has been receiving treatment for his various health issues, including pneumonia.
The pope earlier on Sunday had released a statement in which he "contemplates the period of trial he is experiencing, and highlights the 'shining signs of hope' that illuminate hospitals and places of care." He also offered prayers for those killed or injured in the devastating fire at a club in North Macedonia overnight Saturday.
It remains unclear how long the pope will remain in hospital, but some have taken the fact Vatican News described the pope as concelebrating - a leadership role in the ceremony rather than mere participation - as an encouraging sign of his recovery and treatment.
This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.
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This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM.