Vatican releases first picture of Pope since he was taken to hospital
The Vatican has released the first new picture of Pope Francis since he was taken to hospital more than a month ago.
It shows the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass in a chapel on the tenth floor of the Gemelli hospital, where he is still undergoing treatment.
However, his face is turned away from the camera and is not visible in the image.
The Vatican said he was participating in the celebration with other priests, though no other people can be seen in the picture.
Today marked the Pope’s fifth Sunday in hospital since he was admitted on February 14.
Since then, the Vatican has reported several setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure and a severe coughing fit.
But doctors this week said the pontiff is no longer in a critical, life-threatening condition, and an X-ray confirmed his double pneumonia infection is clearing.
Earlier today, Francis acknowledged the presence of children outside the hospital, though he did not appear at the window.
Dozens of young people, many of whom came from war-torn countries, held yellow and black balloons to greet the Pope.
In the Angelus text prepared for the traditional Sunday blessing, he said: ‘I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness.’
He added: ‘Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.’
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