ROME (AP) — The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis in more than a month, showing the pontiff in a three-quarter view from behind wearing a purple stole typical of Lenten liturgical vestments and sitting in a wheelchair before the altar of his personal hospital chapel.

The photo is said to have been taken Sunday, when Francis was co-celebrating Mass in the chapel of the hospital suite where he has been battling a health crisis.

Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to hospital on 14 February and has not been seen in public since. 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.