The leader of the Catholic church is seen seated in a chapel at Rome's Gemelli hospital
The Vatican has released the first image of [Pope Francis](https://inews.co.uk/topic/pope-francis?srsltid=AfmBOooPW_sdwbKqugAvtYbDfwuEcjs3eqdjL-JBDBkWi2_7wP7OboBQ&ico=in-line_link) in hospital since he was admitted more than a month ago.
The pontiff, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on 14 February after experiencing a severe respiratory infection and was later diagnosed with double pneumonia.
In the photo, which was released today (16 March) the leader of the Catholic church is seen seated in a chapel at the hospital, with his right hand resting on his lap.
The Pope has been receiving oxygen and mechanical ventilation to help him breath throughout his treatment in hospital – but appears to be breathing on his own in the photo.
The Vatican said Pope Francis, who has not been seen in public since he was admitted to hospital, celebrated Mass with other priests in the chapel on Sunday.
In its latest medical update on his condition, issued on Saturday, the Vatican said that he was gradually improving.
It also said he was reducing his use of mechanical ventilation at night to help with breathing.
In his Angelus message today, the Pope said he faces a “period of trial” as he thanked well-wishers for their prayers and prayed for peace in “countries wounded by war”.
Pope Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on 14 February (Photo: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
The pope has been described as being in a stable or improving condition for nearly two weeks.
Despite his health improving the Vatican has not yet given a timeframe for his discharge from hospital, saying his recovery is going slowly.
Pope Francis is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
He has been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy in hospital to help with his breathing and physical therapy to help with his mobility. He has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
Elected pope in 2013, he celebrated his 12th anniversary as the pontiff from hospital on Thursday.
Doctors not involved in his care have said he is likely to face a long, fraught road to recovery, given his age and other medical conditions.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that he had approved a new three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church, in a sign that he intends to continue as pope, despite his health difficulties.
Additional reporting by _Reuters_.