
Vatican releases first photograph of the pope in more than a month
ROME (AP) — The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of 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 particpating 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 hospitalized on Feb. 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 participating in celebrating a Mass in the period.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. The following is AP’s earlier story.
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 hospitalized with double pneumonia.