The first image of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized over a month ago was released by the Vatican on Sunday. The big picture: The photo shows him sitting alone in a wheelchair in a chapel at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital after he celebrated Mass with other priests,

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.

Pope Francis, 88, is recovering from double pneumonia and is seen attending Mass in a chapel at Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reports he is improving gradually but has not yet provided a discharge date.