7:29 am today

Pope Francis seen in hospital for first time as Vatican releases photo

7:29 am today
This photo taken and handout on March 16, 2025 by The Vatican Press Office shows Pope Francis during a mass in the chapel of the apartment of the Gemelli Hospital where he is hospitalized with pneumonia. (Photo by Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / VATICANPRESS OFFICE" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

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

The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital since the 88-year-old pontiff began treatment for double pneumonia.

The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on 14 February with a severe respiratory infection that has required evolving treatment. He has not been seen in public since.

Francis is pictured from behind in the image as he is seated in a chapel at the hospital. The Vatican said the pope had celebrated mass with other priests in the chapel on Sunday.

The pope, who has been receiving oxygen throughout his treatment in hospital, appears to be breathing on his own in the photo.

-Reuters

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