Lenten Campaign 2025
This content is free of charge, as are all our articles.
Support us with a donation that is tax-deductible and enable us to continue to reach millions of readers.
"This morning Pope Francis celebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the 10th floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic," informed the Vatican this evening, March 16. With the statement, a photo was released.
This is the first time that the faithful have "seen" the Pope since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14.
At the only press conference given since then by the medical staff (on February 21), a simple explanation for the lack of photos was given:
Professor Sergio Alfieri, the Pope's surgeon at the Gemilli, responded to journalists asking about a photo with a request to respect the Pope's privacy.
“Do we want a photo of a pope in his pajamas in the newspapers? [...] Let's respect his privacy. When he wants to show himself, he will show himself, but he will be dressed like a pope,” he insisted.
Celebrating Mass
This is also the first time since the Pope was admitted that the Vatican has reported that he celebrated Mass. The reports generally spoke of him receiving the Eucharist, or celebrating Mass with others. For example, on February 23, the report said: "This morning, in the apartment on the 1oth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization."
Another 'glimpse'
While this is the first image of the Pope that we've seen February 14, the faithful did have the chance to hear the Holy Father.
On March 6, the faithful got a special and hopeful surprise. Pope Francis recorded a voice message that was played in the Square before the beginning of the nightly Rosary for his health. While the message was encouraging, it also revealed how short of breath the Pope still was.
He said:
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you."
Rosary back to the Square
The nightly Rosary is now being held at 7:30 pm in St. Peter's Square, since on Friday, the Roman Curia finished their annual Lenten retreat. During the retreat, the Rosary was held earlier in the afternoon, and in Paul VI Hall.
Follow updates on the Pope's health here.
See images below of the Rosary from March 15.
