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Vatican releases picture of Francis praying in hospital
The Independent
|March 17, 2025
The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since he was taken to hospital with double pneumonia more than a month ago.
The photograph shows the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating a mass in his prayer room in the hospital chapel yesterday morning.
The photograph is taken from behind, and shows the leader of the Catholic Church wearing a purple stole sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar.
The Vatican said he was particpating in the celebration of the Mass with other priests.
It is the first photograph of the pope since he was admitted to hospital on 14 February with a severe case of bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. It is also the first time the Vatican has mentioned that the Pope has participated in celebrating a Mass in the period.
This story is from the March 17, 2025 edition of The Independent.
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