The Vatican has disclosed the first photograph of Pope Francis since his hospitalization over a month ago. The image captures the Catholic Church’s leader partaking in a Sunday morning mass in his private prayer room.

The 88-year-old Pope is receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has remained out of sight since his admission. According to a statement from the Vatican, “This morning, Pope Francis co-celebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the 10th floor of the Policlinico Gemelli.”

The medical team at the hospital has updated that Pope Francis is no longer in a critical condition. He was initially admitted with bronchitis on February 14 and subsequently diagnosed with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection. Despite the improvement, doctors emphasize the complexity of his situation due to his age and limited mobility.

In a message prior, distributed from the hospital, the Pope acknowledged that he is facing a “period of trial” while sharing his traditional Sunday prayer. He conveyed his appreciation for the “prayers” received and thanked those providing him with dedicated care.

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Source: https://news.sky.com/story/vatican-releases-first-image-of-pope-francis-since-he-fell-ill-13330453