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Pope Francis seen praying in first photo since his hospitalization a month ago

In this photo released by the Vatican, Pope Francis is seen praying inside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday.
Vatican Press Hall
/
via AP
In this photo released by the Vatican, Pope Francis is seen praying inside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday.

A photo released by the Vatican on Sunday showed Pope Francis for the first time since he entered the hospital over a month ago for a case of bronchitis.

In the image published online by the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff was seen seated in a wheelchair in the private chapel of Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

Wearing a white cassock and purple stole, Francis was praying in front of the chapel's altar after having just finished celebrating mass Sunday morning, the Vatican said.

Though his voice has been heard — Francis sent an audio message to his supporters in early March — no one but his medical team and close advisers had seen the pope since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14.

Francis entered the hospital with a case of bronchitis and while there developed several other maladies, including a polymicrobial infection and double pneumonia. He is now in stable condition, and doctors say he has been responding well to treatments, particularly physical therapy.

In his weekly Angelus prayer released by the Vatican on Sunday, Francis reflected on the "period of trial" he and others have faced while sick.

"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.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Joe Hernandez
[Copyright 2024 NPR]

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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