Pope Francis has made a significant move from his hospital bed, concelebrating Mass at Rome’s Gemelli hospital chapel for the first time since his pneumonia diagnosis last month. The 88-year-old pontiff was spotted wearing a stole and participating in the celebration alongside priests.
Francis’s return to active participation in Mass comes after weeks of receiving only the Eucharist, as he has been doing during his recovery. His treatments and therapies continue, according to Vatican officials.
The pope expressed gratitude to his well-wishers for their prayers, thanking them for their support during his “period of trial.” He also extended an invitation to children around the world to pray with him, saying he loves them dearly.
Despite his hospital stay, Francis remains stable and is continuing to signal his commitment to his duties as pope. The Vatican has reported that his condition continues to improve, with reduced need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation and the use of high-flow oxygen therapy during the day.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/16/europe/pope-first-photo-since-hospitalization-intl-latam/index.html