By Premiumkosova In addition to sharing the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization, the Vatican also provided the latest health update concerning his condition.
The Vatican recently shared a photo of Pope Francis, marking the first image captured of him since he was hospitalized. The picture sparked an online discussion among netizens who are still concerned about the pope. Some are even unsure of whether the man in the photo really is Pope Francis.
In the photo, Pope Francis, draped in his traditional white cassock with a purple stole, sat in quiet contemplation before a modest altar adorned with fresh flowers, flickering candles, and a simple crucifix.
The intimate setting, reminiscent of a private chapel, exuded a profound sense of serenity — a sacred refuge for the 88-year-old pontiff, whose health has been a subject of growing concern.
“The Holy See Press Office has released a picture of Pope Francis in prayer after concelebrating the Eucharist this morning. It’s the first to be released since the Pope’s hospitalisation [sic] on 14 February,” reads the post” caption.
Netizens wasted no time in taking to social media platforms to share their reactions. “He doesn’t look alive. It’s a weekend at Bernies [sic] situation. Oh dear, things are not good,” opined someone on Reddit.
A Facebooker chimed in with, “That’s not him, this is a clone .” Expressing a similar sentiment, a fellow spectator wondered, “Is that the pope? Looks like he got a tan.” “The sad look of a man in his final stages of life reflecting on his service to God n humanity [sic],” penned an observer. Someone else added, “Even looks unconscious.”
Pope Francis and another man during the weekly general audience in The Vatican on February 12, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
“It’s his eyes, that’s what people want to see,” declared an observer. While many people noted their doubts about the pope’s identity in the photo, one supporter expressed, “Im glad hes recovering bc i didnt really think he would. Definitely still looking pretty rough but way better than how he was and hopefully he keeps going up [sic].”
According to the Vatican News, the photo of Pope Francis was taken on the tenth floor of the hospital “where the pope has gone to pray every day since his medical condition has shown slight improvements.” For weeks, the public and journalists alike have been eager for a new image of Pope Francis.
The last glimpses of him date back to over a month ago when he met with members of Spain’s Gaudium et Spes Foundation at his Santa Marta residence before being hospitalized.
Pope Francis greeting crowds after addressing a special session held at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City on January 25, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Since then, only his medical team and closest aides have seen him in person. However, his voice was heard on March 6, 2025, during an audio message played at a Rosary gathering in Saint Peter’s Square, where he offered a blessing and expressed gratitude for the prayers sent his way.
One morning, around 200 children from UNICEF and other Italian groups gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, bringing flowers, balloons, and an outpouring of love. They gazed up at the tenth-floor windows, hopeful for a brief appearance or a blessing from the ailing pontiff.