Cliff Notes
- Pope Francis has been photographed for the first time since his hospitalisation over a month ago, celebrating mass in a wheelchair.
- Doctors report that he is no longer in critical condition, although his age and existing health complications keep his situation complex.
- The pontiff expressed gratitude for prayers and support and offered prayers for countries affected by conflict during his traditional Sunday address.
Vatican releases first image of Pope Francis since he fell ill
The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since he was taken to hospital more than a month ago.
The photograph shows the leader of the Catholic church celebrating a mass in his prayer room on Sunday morning.
He’s seen wearing a purple stole while sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar.
No one else is visible in the image.
“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.
The 88-year-old pontiff is being treated at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome – and he has not been seen since being admitted.
Doctors at the facility say he is no longer in a critical condition – having been admitted with bronchitis on 14 February and later diagnosed with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection.
But those looking after him stress that his age and lack of mobility mean his situation remains complex.