Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis in hospital

The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of the pope in more than a month, showing Francis co-celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel. The photograph is taken from behind, and shows Pope Francis wearing a purple stole sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar.

The Vatican said he was taking part in the celebration of the Mass with other priests. No one else is visible in the photo. It is the first photograph of the pope since he was hospitalised on February 14 with a severe case of bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. It is also the first time the Vatican mentions that the pope has taken part in celebrating a Mass in the period.

Dozens of children toting yellow and white balloons – many from war-torn countries – gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital to greet Pope Francis on his fifth Sunday hospitalised with double pneumonia.

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.