In the photo of Pope Francis taken from behind him, he is seated in a wheelchair, wearing a cassock and stole after concelebrating Mass. The photo shows him looking at the crucifix on the altar of the chapel on the tenth floor of the hospital where he has gone to pray every day since his medical condition has shown slight improvements. This is the first photo of Pope Francis since he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on 14 February. The Holy See Press Office distributed the photo on Sunday evening 16 March.

For a number of days now, journalists and the public in general had been asking for a photo of the Pope. The last ones seen came over a month ago when at his Santa Marta residence prior to his hospitalization the Pope received members of Spain's Gaudium et Spes Foundation. Since then, nobody apart from the doctors treating him and his closest collaborators had been able to see the Pope. His voice was heard, however, in the audio clip played on 6 March during the Rosary in Saint Peter's Square, where he blessed the faithful and thanked those who have prayed for him during this time of illness. 

This morning around 200 children from UNICEF and various groups from Italy gathered in the square in front of Gemelli Hospital bearing flowers, balloons, and a "symbolic embrace" for the Pope. They looked up at the windows of the tenth floor of the hospital where the Pope is receiving care hoping to see perhaps a glimpse of him or a possible surprise greeting and blessing.

On Sunday evening 16 March, a new sign of Pope Francis' "presence" arrived during his time in prayer. Prayer is part of his daily routine, along with rest and therapy: both pharmacological, respiratory, and physiotherapy, which are continuing. According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope has benefited particularly from the physiotherapy. He did not receive visitors on Sunday and continued with some work.

The Pope's medical condition remains stable, as already confirmed in previous days, but still within a clinical context that the medical staff - as reported in the latest bulletins - defines as "complex." Medical updates being issued less frequently, given the Pope's stable medical condition. At the same time, the Holy See Press Office continues to update journalists daily on the Pope's health. There are now 700 accredited journalists, numbers that have grown since the Pope's hospitalization. In the meantime, the Pope continues his daily activities at the hospital which has been his residence for over a month. "A period of trial," as he wrote in his Sunday Angelus reflections of 16 March, in which he has united his prayers with the many other sick brothers and sisters, "fragile, at this time, like me."

Pope from Gemelli: Praise God, Who never abandons us

In the mystery of the Transfiguration, “Jesus immerses Himself in prayer and becomes radiant with light,” Pope Francis said in remarks prepared for the weekly Angelus. He explained, “In this way, [Jesus] shows the disciples what is hidden behind the gestures He performs in their midst: the light of His infinite love.”

This thought prompts the Holy Father to reflect on the “period of trial” he, along with so many others who are sick, are undergoing at this time. “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.”

Pope Francis emphasized the “light” that shines in hospitals and places of care, the love that “illuminates” all the places where “the humblest services are performed,” and he invited everyone to join him “in praising the Lord, Who never abandons us and who, in times of sorrow, places people beside us who reflect a ray of His love.”

He thanked all those who are praying for him, especially the many children, including some who have come to Gemelli to show their closeness. “The Pope loves you,” Pope Francis said, “and is always looking forward to meeting you.”

As usual, the Pope ended his Angelus reflection with prayers, first for peace throughout the world, especially in “countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.” Finally, he called for prayers for the Church, as it continues the implementation phase of the synodal journey.