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 on Sunday 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 hospitalised 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.
Earlier, dozens of children toting yellow and white balloons – many from war-torn countries – gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital to greet Francis.
While the pope did not appear from the 10th-floor suite of windows, he thanked them and acknowledged their presence in the traditional Sunday blessing.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” the pontiff said in the Angelus text prepared for the traditional prayer but not delivered live again.
“Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,” Francis said.
More follows on this breaking news story
Source: independent.co.uk