Pope Francis Makes First Appearance in a Month Amid Health Struggles

For the first time in over a month, a new photo of Pope Francis has been released, showing him in purple Lenten vestments, seated in a wheelchair inside the hospital chapel. The Vatican says he was celebrating Mass with other priests—his first confirmed participation in Mass since his February 14 hospitalization for severe bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia.

Children’s Prayers for the Pope

Meanwhile, outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a heartwarming scene unfolded. Dozens of children, many from war-torn countries, gathered with yellow and white balloons (the colors of the Vatican flag) to show their love and support for the pope.

While Pope Francis did not appear at the hospital window, he made sure to acknowledge their presence in his traditional Sunday blessing:

“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”

The event was organized by Reverend Enzo Fortunato, who called the children’s presence “the most beautiful caress”—a kind of spiritual medicine for the 88-year-old pontiff.

Some of the children even got to enter the hospital to leave behind drawings, messages, and flowers for Francis. Among them was 12-year-old Anastasia from Naples, who woke up at 5 a.m. just to be there.

“I wrote, ‘Pope Francis, get well and return home soon. We love you, all of the children are praying for you.’”

Many of the children had experienced war and hardship firsthand—some from Ukraine, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Syria, having arrived in Italy through humanitarian corridors.

‘The Pope of the Children’

UNICEF Italy’s spokesperson, Andrea Iacomini, praised Pope Francis as not just a religious leader but a global one—a “man of peace” and the “pope of the children.”

The pontiff typically delivers his Sunday Angelus prayer from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, but this time, he shared a written message reflecting on those facing fragile health like himself:

“Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.”

With the Jubilee year underway, many pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to walk through the Holy Door are now adding a stop at Gemelli Hospital to pray for the pope’s recovery.

Pope’s Condition: Improving, But Still Serious

Doctors have confirmed that Pope Francis is no longer in critical condition, but they continue to monitor him closely due to his age, limited mobility, and past lung issues.

His first three weeks in the hospital were filled with setbacks, including:

• Respiratory crises

• Mild kidney failure

• Severe coughing fits

However, recent X-rays show his infection is clearing, and doctors are working to reduce his nighttime dependence on a non-invasive ventilation mask, which should help his lungs strengthen naturally.

While his condition is stable, he still requires hospitalization for ongoing treatment, as well as physical and respiratory therapy—which, according to the latest Vatican update, is showing gradual improvement.

The next health update is expected mid-week, but for now, the pope remains on an upward path to recovery.