By Bruno Paul
The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis since he was admitted to the hospital over a month ago.
The image shows the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass in his prayer room on Sunday morning. He is seen wearing a purple stole while sitting alone in a wheelchair in front of an altar, with no one else visible in the photograph.
“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the 10th floor of the Policlinico Gemelli,” a Vatican statement read.
Earlier in the day, the Pope acknowledged his ongoing health challenges, referring to them as a “period of trial” while delivering his traditional Sunday prayer from the hospital. He also expressed gratitude to worshippers for their prayers and thanked those assisting him with dedication.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14. Initially hospitalized with bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection. Since then, he has not been seen in public until this latest image was released.