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.
The 88-year-old pontiff is being treated at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome – and has not been seen since being admitted.
“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 said.
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.
Earlier, the Pope said he was facing a “period of trial” as he issued his traditional Sunday prayer from hospital.
He thanked worshippers for “all your prayers”, expressing his gratitude to those “who assist me with such dedication”.
But his doctors stress that his age and lack of mobility mean his situation remains complex.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
